PEOPLE taking a dip off the Suffolk coast can enjoy swimming in top quality water, according to the Environment Agency.

It has been revealed the water quality on bathing beaches in Suffolk is considered to be “generally excellent”.

The 2010 bathing beach sampling season has now come to an end and Environment Agency experts have discovered the majority of beaches in Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex have passed the strictest bacteriological water quality standards to be classed as excellent.

All other beaches along the coast have achieved the minimum standards required for swimming.

This year has proved to be one of the best years on record with significant improvements in water quality were recorded at both Southwold beaches and at Walton.

Senior Environment Agency officer John Daniels said: “This is a big achievement and we are delighted all of the bathing waters we monitor continue to achieve a high standard of water quality.

“Not only is it good news for those living on or spending their holidays on our coast, but its also great news for both onshore wildlife and marine life.”

The tests run from May 1 to September 30 and look for coliforms and streptococci - types of bacteria that can cause stomach upsets.