2024 Bathing Water Profile for Sharrow

http://environment.data.gov.uk/data/bathing-water-profile/ukk3101-26570/2024:1

  • bathing water description
    Sharrow beach is in Whitsand Bay on the south coast of Cornwall. It is a small sand and rock cove approximately 300 metres wide, backed by steep cliffs, and Sharrow Point headland to the east.
  • controller name
    Cornwall
  • county name
    Cornwall
  • history statement
    There is no water company scheme associated directly with this bathing water.
  • macro algae statement
    For the three year (2021-2023) assessment period where data is available, seaweed (macroalgae) was not assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable, but was observed as being present on 67% of visits. This bathing water does not have a history of large amounts of seaweed (macro algae).
  • phytoplankton statement
    For the three year (2021-2023) assessment period where data is available, phytoplankton (microscopic algae) was not assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable, but was observed as being present on 4% of visits. 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
    There are no active pollution risk forecasts made at this bathing water. However any bathing water has the potential to be affected by a pollution incident and if this occurs a pollution risk warning with associated advice against bathing will be issued on this website.
  • pollution risk forecasting
    false
  • pref label
    2024 Bathing Water Profile for Sharrow
  • sampling frequency
    10
  • season finish date
    2024-09-30
  • season start date
    2024-05-01
  • streams rivers statement
    Streams and rivers are typically affected by human sewage, animal slurry and runoff from roads. There are two streams that flow onto this beach.
  • 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 Sharrow for the three year (2021-2023) assessment period where data is available, sewage debris was not noted at this site. Litter was not assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable, but was observed as being present on 34% of visits. Tarry residue was not noted at this site.
  • working with farmers statement
    There is one arable farm in the bathing water catchment. During and after periods of heavy rainfall, runoff to the streams from agricultural land is greatly increased, and the quality of the bathing water can be reduced.
  • zoi description
    The catchment surrounding Sharrow is approximately 95 hectares. There are two unnamed streams that enter the sea at the bathing water. The first is approximately 500 metres long and enters the sea at Sharrow Point. The second is approximately one kilometre long and flows past the village of Freathy before entering the sea approximately 300m southeast of Sharrow Point. The steep catchment means rain runs off rapidly into the streams. Land use is arable, with one farm, and Freathy village at the coast. The beach at Sharrow is within the Rame Head to Whitsand Bay Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
  • bathing water

    Sharrow

  • local authority
    Cornwall
  • season interval

    p152 dT23 h59 m59 s

  • source
    row=0290
  • standard language collection

    2024 26570:1

    • 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
    ukk3101 26570 1 webres.jpg

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