RESULTS of new water quality tests for several outdoor bathing spots have been revealed by the government, with local waters passing.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has published the 2015 results for more than 400 bathing water locations in the country. 

Four sites on the shores of Windermere - Lakeside, Millerground Landing, Fell Foot and Rayrigg Meadow, were deemed as "excellent". 

Three locations off Walney - Biggar Bank, West Shore and Sandy Gap - were classified as "good" and the water at Haverigg passed as "sufficient". 

Tougher standards have been introduced this year and new classifications are based on the level of bacteria in the water. 

The only spots to fail as "poor" in Cumbria were Allonby and Silloth.

Emma McColm, LOVEmyBEACH co-ordinator at morecambe Bay Partnership said: "Thanks so much to everybody who has got involved so far to help improve our water quality around the Cumbrian coast. 

"From picking up after your dog’s mess to not putting the wrong thing down the toilet, it all makes a difference. 

"Lots of people are taking action from their home to try and make the sea water cleaner but we still need businesses and the public to help us do more to make sure that we continue to pass the new standards. 

"Anybody who wants to do their bit can visit the local LOVEmyBEACH website to get involved."

LOVEmyBEACH is an organisation that focuses on keeping beaches clean and originally started as a campaign but over the years has grown. 

The organisation has provided some tips to protect and improve water quality, including:

- Blockages in the drains can cause sewers to back up and overflow onto streets or into streams, rivers and the sea. 

Help avoid blockages by only flushing the 3Ps – pee, poo and paper. 

Everything else e.g. wet wipes, sanitary products and cotton buds, goes in the bin. 

- Cooking oils and fat can also cause drain blockages if poured down the sink as they set hard. Cool them first then put in the bin. 

- You can help at the beach too by bagging and binning your litter and dog’s mess and by not feeding the birds. 

- Check your drains at home aren’t sending dirty water from toilets, showers and dishwashers into the wrong pipes and to rivers and the sea.