5. Conclusion
5.1 The revised Directive offers a significant challenge to protect and improve Scotland's bathing waters, but one that will deliver real benefits, not only to the health of bathers, but to everyone who enjoys a clean environment.
5.2 The Regulations set out how we propose to transpose the Directive - meeting the requirements to improve public information and boost participation. They establish an appropriate framework for the future management of this valuable resource, and set out the criteria by how our actions to improve our waters' quality will be judged. The Regulations value the importance of partnership working - between SEPA, local authorities and bathing water operators - in delivering the Directive's requirements. We also believe they provide for the public and stakeholders to be engaged in the process and to be kept informed. This consultation is part of that process. You are invited to comment on the issues relating to the draft Regulations.
5.3 Scotland's bathing waters have improved, but there are still threats to good water quality, as was witnessed in our most recent season's results. We cannot afford complacency if we are to meet the revised Directive's tighter standards. We will ensure that use is made of appropriate measures to attain compliance.