2024 Bathing Water Profile for Weston-super-Mare Sand Bay

http://environment.data.gov.uk/data/bathing-water-profile/ukk1202-35900/2024:1

  • bathing water description
    Weston-super-Mare Sand Bay is on the Somerset coast overlooking the Bristol Channel. It is a sand and shingle beach resort, approximately five kilometres wide, backed by sand dunes. There is a saltmarsh at the northern end, and Sand Point Headland is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
  • controller name
    North Somerset
  • county name
    North Somerset
  • ea investigations statement
    The reason for the deterioration in bathing water quality at Weston Sand Bay is not known and is under investigation. DNA analysis of our bathing water samples has shown that contamination at the beach is derived from a combination of sources including sewage, agriculture, dogs and seabirds. We have undertaken walkovers at the bathing water and in the catchment to check for sources of contamination and undertaken extra monitoring of freshwater inputs to the bathing water, including streams that discharge to the east of Sand Point. Alongside this we are working with Wessex Water to understand what improvements, if any, would be required to their assets to improve bathing water quality. These investigations include monitoring the quality of discharges and modelling the potential impact on bathing water quality.
  • history statement
    In the past this bathing water was affected by sewage discharges from the Weston-super-Mare sewage treatment works (STW) at the Black Rock outfall, and from Avonmouth STW. The Wessex Water sewage treatment scheme for Weston-super-Mare, which provides secondary treatment and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, was completed in 2000. Additional improvements were made to the sewerage system to reduce the frequency of storm and emergency overflows, most recently in 2013. Secondary treatment was provided at Avonmouth STW in 2000. Thirteen storm overflows discharging to the Avon Estuary were improved in early 2003, and increased secondary treatment capacity and storm storage was provided at Avonmouth STW by March 2004.
  • macro algae statement
    For the four year (2020-2023) assessment period where data is available, seaweed (macroalgae) was assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable for 1% of visits, with 94% of visits noting the presence of seaweed (macroalgae). This bathing water does not have a history of large amounts of seaweed (macro algae).
  • phytoplankton statement
    For the four year (2020-2023) assessment period where data is available, phytoplankton (microscopic algae) was not noted at this site. Phytoplankton (microscopic algae) naturally increase in number at certain times of the year. This process is known as a phytoplankton bloom. This bathing water does not have a history of phytoplankton blooms. The risks to human health from contact, ingestion or inhalation with marine algae that currently occur in UK coastal waters are considered to be low. However, some individuals may be more sensitive and display some reactions. A common marine algae found in UK coastal waters is Phaeocystis, which is often mistaken for sewage as it forms foam and a brown scum, but it is non-toxic.
  • pollution risk forecast statement
    The Environment Agency makes a daily pollution risk forecast at this site based on the effects of rain, tide and wind on bathing water quality. These factors affect the levels of bacteria that get washed into the sea from livestock, sewage and urban drainage via rivers and streams and how they disperse. When these factors combine to cause a temporary reduction in water quality, we will issue a pollution risk warning on this website. Water quality will typically return to normal after a day or so, but it’s possible to have several warning days in a row. Details of the work to reduce the sources of bacteria at this bathing water are detailed in this profile. In 2023 41 pollution risk warnings were issued for this bathing water. All bathing waters have the potential to be affected by a pollution incident and if this occurs a pollution risk warning will be issued with associated advice against bathing on this website.
  • pollution risk forecasting
    true
  • pref label
    2024 Bathing Water Profile for Weston-super-Mare Sand Bay
  • sampling frequency
    20
  • season finish date
    2024-09-30
  • season start date
    2024-05-01
  • stw outfalls statement
    The outfall from Weston-super-Mare STW discharges to the sea at Black Rock five kilometres south of Sand Bay. This discharge is disinfected and designed to protect bathing water quality.
  • version string
    1
  • visible pollution statement
    Environment Agency samplers make observations of litter present on the beach at every visit, this includes assessments of sewage debris, litter and tar. At Weston-super-Mare Sand Bay for the four year (2020-2023) assessment period where data is available, sewage debris was not assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable, but was observed as being present on 2% of visits. Litter was assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable for 4% of visits, with 87% of visits noting the presence of litter. Tarry residue was not noted at this site.
  • zoi description
    The catchment surrounding Weston-super-Mare Sand Bay is approximately 24,300 hectares, and includes the River Axe and its tributaries the Cheddar Yeo and Lox Yeo. These streams rise from limestone springs on the Mendip Hills at Wookey Hole Caves, and flow through the Somerset Levels and Moors to the sea in Weston Bay just north of Brean Down. The rivers are interconnected in several places by drainage channels (known locally as rhynes) controlled by sluices, forming a very complex artificial drainage system. The River Axe is also controlled by a sluice gate. The sluices affect the amount of freshwater entering the sea from the River Axe. The majority of the land is used for large scale agriculture, with more than 50 farms.
  • bathing water

    Weston-super-Mare Sand Bay

  • local authority
    North Somerset
  • measurement type
  • season interval

    p152 dT23 h59 m59 s

  • source
    row=0395
  • standard language collection

    2024 35900:1

    • algae general statement
      Seaweed (macroalgae) and phytoplankton (microscopic algae) are a natural part of the marine and freshwater environment. Below we note whether these have been recorded in quantities sufficient to be a nuisance.
    • eso outfalls general statement
      The majority of sewers in England are “combined sewers” and carry both sewage and surface water from roofs and drains. A storm overflow operates during heavy rainfall when the sewerage system becomes overwhelmed by the amount of surface water. The overflow prevents sewage from backing up pipes and flooding properties and gardens. An emergency overflow will only operate infrequently, for example due to pump failure or blockage in the sewerage system.
    • local authority general statement
      Heavy rain falling on pavements and roads often flows into surface water drains or highway drains, ending up in local rivers and ultimately the sea. The quality of bathing water may be adversely affected as a result of such events.
    • pollution management general statement
      It is the Environment Agency role to drive improvement of water quality at bathing waters that are at risk of failing higher standards. It is natural for water to run off the land to the sea. Water quality at a bathing water is dependent upon the type and area of land (the catchment) draining to the water and the activities undertaken in that catchment.
    • stw outfalls general statement
      Discharges from sewage treatment works have improved substantially in England since the 1980s.
  • web res image
    ukk1202 35900 1 webres.jpg

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