Seawater testing facility to open at Splashpoint leisure centre

A new seawater testing facility is set to open at Splashpoint Leisure Centre this summer, allowing swimmers in Worthing to analyse water quality locally.

The citizen science lab has been developed through a partnership between Southern Water and South Downs Leisure and will support groups testing water at the town’s three designated bathing sites. Worthing Borough Council said the initiative would complement existing monitoring by the Environment Agency and help build a clearer understanding of coastal water quality.

Currently, members of the Muscle Beach Swimming Club collect samples which must be sent to Hove for analysis, but the new facility will enable testing to take place locally. Other swimming groups from Worthing and Goring are also expected to be trained in using the equipment as part of the programme.

The move comes as water quality ratings show mixed results across the area, with Worthing Beach House currently graded poor, while Goring Beach and the site near Heene Road have been upgraded to good. The council has also installed seafront signs with QR codes to provide the public with up to date water quality information.