The failure of bathing water to meet recognised quality standards is not down to any shortcomings in the IRIS sewage treatment system.
That's the view of the Department of Transport's director of drainage Peter Winstanley, who says beaches are continuing to fail in locations where raw sewage hasn't been pumped into the sea for some time.
The plant at Meary Veg, Santon is currently treating 24 million litres of sewage a day, and Mr Winstanley says the removal of such a huge volume of untreated waste from the sea will have been of significant benefit.
In response to criticism of IRIS from the Marine Conservation Society, he says other factors have to be taken into account, not least the organic and other waste which flows into the sea from the Island's rivers.
But it's not all bad news (play audio file):
Of the 18 beaches in the Isle of Man tested last summer, only Debyhaven is recommended by the Marine Conservation Society, and three failed to achieve the minimum standard.
Researching your Manx family history can be a very interesting and rewarding hobby. Trace your roots in the Isle of Man with our helpful of guide.
