2024 Bathing Water Profile for Holywell Bay

http://environment.data.gov.uk/data/bathing-water-profile/ukk3102-32000/2024:1

  • bathing water description
    Holywell Bay is on the north coast of Cornwall. It is a rural sandy beach, approximately 1.2 kilometres wide, backed by cliffs and sand dunes. There is a stream that flows across the southern end of the beach.
  • controller name
    Cornwall
  • county name
    Cornwall
  • eso outfalls statement
    There is an emergency/storm overflow from the Holywell Road pumping station, that discharges to the Holywell Stream approximately 400 metres from the beach. 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 sewage treatment scheme for Newquay, which provides secondary treatment and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, was completed by South West Water in April 2000. Extensive sewerage work to combined sewer overflows in the Newquay area was also carried out at that time. The sewage treatment works (STW) at Newlyn (East) and Fraddon received UV disinfection in 2001 and 2002 respectively. Sewage from Mitchell STW are pumped to Newlyn (East). Storm overflow event duration monitoring (EDM) was installed at the Holywell Road pumping station by May 2011.
  • 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 3% of visits, with 75% 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
    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 Holywell Bay
  • sampling frequency
    20
  • 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. The Holwell Stream flows onto this beach. The Environment Agency monitored the Holywell Stream at Holywell Bay Bridge for the period between 1986 and 1997, and found that it can affect water quality during and after heavy rainfall. There can also be water discolouration issues related to the resuspension of ochre from minewater.
  • stw outfalls statement
    Sewage from the Holywell Bay area is pumped to Newquay for treatment. The outfall for the Newquay STW discharges into the sea approximately 5.8km northeast of Holywell bathing water at Towan Head. 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 Holywell Bay for the four year (2020-2023) assessment period where data is available, sewage debris was not noted at this site. Litter was assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable for 2% of visits, with 57% of visits noting the presence of litter. Tarry residue was not noted at this site.
  • working with farmers statement
    There are approximately 20 farms in the catchment, most of which are dairy and arable. During and after periods of heavy rainfall, runoff to the Holywell Stream from agricultural land is greatly increased, and the quality of the bathing water can be reduced.
  • working with private owners statement
    There are caravan parks and hotels that are not on the main sewerage system and have private sewage treatment arrangements. The Environment Agency do not believe these are a source of pollution to the bathing water. If any concerns arise, the Environment Agency will investigate and request immediate remedial action from those responsible.
  • zoi description
    The catchment surrounding Holywell Bay is approximately 2,420 hectares. The Holywell Stream is approximately 8.8km (14.5km long including tributaries) and enters the sea at Holywell beach. The steep parts of the catchment mean rain runs off rapidly into the stream. Land use is mostly agricultural, with around 20 farms. The rural areas are comprised of a patchwork of improved grassland, arable and woodland. Penhale sand dunes are located in the east of the catchment and are designated as both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Urban areas include Holywell and part of Goonhavern and there are holiday camps and caravan sites in the catchment.
  • bathing water

    Holywell Bay

  • local authority
    Cornwall
  • season interval

    p152 dT23 h59 m59 s

  • source
    row=0349
  • standard language collection

    2024 32000:1

    • 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
    ukk3102 32000 1 webres.jpg

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