It emerged this week that Broughty Ferry beach may never be able to regain its Blue Flag status.
The beach will be stripped of the prestigious accolade later this year after it failed to achieve the required water quality last summer.
It has now been revealed that a lack of investment and new, stricter, standards coming into force next year mean it will be all but impossible to regain it.
City council assistant chief executive Chris Ward said, “Broughty Ferry will have substantial problems applying for Blue Flag status in future. Achieving the required standard would require major investment by Scottish Water and they have priorities elsewhere.”
The Blue Flag is judged against various criteria, including a top-quality pass for water quality.
Local councillor Derek Scott said, “I think Blue Flag status is now beyond us unless Scottish Water invest hugely. That’s not going to happen, as it will cost them too much money.”
Leisure and communities convener Bob Duncan said, “The loss of the Blue Flag is not the end of the world. Broughty Ferry beach and the facilities are first class and there are other accolades we can apply for.”
A Scottish Water spokesman said, “Scottish Water is working with Dundee City Council and SEPA to ensure Broughty Ferry beach achieves its maximum potential as a bathing water.
“Diffuse pollution is now the major cause of poor bathing water quality in Scotland. Scottish Water has invested significantly to improve the quality of the River Tay as part of our investment programme.”