2024 Bathing Water Profile for Portwrinkle

http://environment.data.gov.uk/data/bathing-water-profile/ukk3101-26600/2024:1

  • bathing water description
    Portwrinkle is on the south coast of Cornwall. It is a remote sand and rock beach, approximately one kilometre wide, backed by cliffs. There are lots of rock pools to explore at low tide.
  • controller name
    Cornwall
  • county name
    Cornwall
  • eso outfalls statement
    There is an emergency/storm overflow from the Portwrinkle STW, that discharges into the sea 300m southeast of the Environment Agency monitoring point. The operation of the overflow can lead to a temporary drop in bathing water quality. This bathing water is included in the Surfers Against Sewage “Safer Seas Service”. This service can alert you to Combined Storm Sewer Overflow discharges via a phone App and in addition, it includes the Environment Agency Pollution Risk Forecast warnings where they are available. Further details of the service can be found at - http://www.sas.org.uk/safer-seas-service/
  • history statement
    The South West Water sewage treatment scheme for Portwrinkle, which provides secondary treatment and discharges through an extended outfall, was completed in 1995. Storm overflow event duration monitoring (EDM) was installed at Portwrinkle Tank combined sewer overflow by May 2011.
  • macro algae statement
    For the three year (2021-2023) assessment period where data is available, seaweed (macroalgae) was assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable for 4% of visits, with 92% 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 three year (2021-2023) 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
    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 Portwrinkle
  • sampling frequency
    10
  • season finish date
    2024-09-30
  • season start date
    2024-05-01
  • stw outfalls statement
    The outfall from the Portwrinkle STW discharges to the sea 350 metres (m) southwest of the Environment Agency monitoring point. This discharge is 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 Portwrinkle 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 32% of visits. Tarry residue was not assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable, but was observed as being present on 4% of visits.
  • zoi description
    The catchment surrounding Portwrinkle is approximately 24 hectares. There are no streams within the beach area. The small urban area of Portwrinkle is set back behind the cliffs that surround the beach.
  • bathing water

    Portwrinkle

  • local authority
    Cornwall
  • season interval

    p152 dT23 h59 m59 s

  • source
    row=0291
  • standard language collection

    2024 26600:1

    • 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 26600 1 webres.jpg

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