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Before the EU Bathing Water Directive was originally adopted in 1976, large quantities of mostly uncontrolled, untreated or partially-treated wastewater were discharged into many of Europe’s surface waters. As a result, these waters became heavily polluted. Dirty beaches and resulting concerns regarding the health of swimmers and growing environmental awareness consequently paved the way to the BWD’s adoption. European Member States were obliged to take all necessary measures to ensure that the quality of their bathing water conformed to water quality guidelines within ten years. These guidelines included 19 microbiological (i.e. several bacteria and viruses) and physico-chemical (i.e. pH, colour, presence of oils, concentration of dissolved oxygen etc.) parameters. Other substances regarded as indications of pollution, and potentially dangerous to public health were also included. The Bathing Water Directive is one of the great success stories of EU environmental policy, and the overall quality of bathing water across Europe has steadily improved since its adoption.