In many parts of the Croatian coastline and some inland beaches, sea water quality is regularly measured, and the public is informed about the results. In Croatia, the sea is of high quality and suitable for bathing.
In some counties, sea quality has been continuously monitored for approximately 20 years. Since 1996, monitoring has been conducted according to the Regulation on Standards of Sea Quality on Sea Beaches (Official Bulletin of the Republic of Croatia no. 33/96).
During the swimming season, some counties apply additional criteria, such as those from the World Health Organization, to the final sea quality grade, alongside the mentioned regulations.
Sea quality testing on beaches is typically performed about 10 times throughout the summer season, from May to September. The testing involves determining the physical, chemical, and bacterial characteristics of sea water, with bacterial parameters being the most significant indicator of sea pollution from fecal waste waters.
In addition to safety reasons, these testing results are used by coastal local self-government units in priority recovery programs, especially within sewage systems, to preserve the safety of bathers.