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After a sample has been collected it is couriered to the laboratory for analysis by the next morning. The analysis is started within 24 hours of the sample being collected and takes a further 24 hours for preliminary results.

The data then requires a further 3 days of analysis for a confirmed result. These sample results are then loaded onto our internal databases where the data is validated.

This process, if validation passes, takes approximately 5 days after which they are transferred to the Bathing Water Explorer between 4-8 hours later. If the samples do not pass validation then this time can be greater.

You can access the BW Explorer here: https://environment.data.gov.uk/bwq/profiles/#