2019 Bathing Water Profile for Porthcothan

http://environment.data.gov.uk/data/bathing-water-profile/ukk3104-32550/2019:1

  • bathing water description
    Porthcothan Bay is on the north coast of Cornwall. It is a rural, sheltered sandy bay, approximately 400 metres wide, backed by sand dunes. There is a stream that flows across the beach. Porthcothan is popular with tourists and surfers and is patrolled by lifeguards during the day in the summer.
  • controller name
    Cornwall
  • county name
    Cornwall
  • ea investigations statement
    The Environment Agency carried out additional monitoring in the Porthcothan Stream in 2010, and will make recommendations for further improvements to protect and improve the bathing water quality.
  • macro algae statement
    For the four year (2015-2018) assessment period where data is available, seaweed (macroalgae) was assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable for 4% of visits, with 82% of visits noting the presence of seaweed (macroalgae). The bathing water can become covered with large amounts of seaweed, depending on tides and the weather. This bathing water does not have a history of large amounts of seaweed, but that it can be noticeable from time to time.
  • phytoplankton statement
    For the four year (2015-2018) 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 forecasting
    false
  • pref label
    2019 Bathing Water Profile for Porthcothan
  • sampling frequency
    20
  • season finish date
    2019-09-30
  • season start date
    2019-05-01
  • streams rivers statement
    Streams and rivers are typically affected by human sewage, animal slurry and runoff from roads. The Porthcothan Stream flows onto this beach. The Environment Agency have monitored the stream between 1993 and 2014, and found that water quality is temporarily worse after heavy rainfall.
  • 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 Porthcothan for the four year (2015-2018) assessment period where data is available, sewage debris was not noted at this site. Litter was assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable for 1% of visits, with 54% 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 used for livestock. During and after periods of heavy rainfall, runoff to the Porthcothan Stream from agricultural land is greatly increased, and the quality of the bathing water can be reduced.
  • zoi description
    The catchment surrounding Porthcothan is approximately 1,500 hectares. The Porthcothan Stream is approximately seven kilometres (km) (13.5km long including tributaries) and rises close to Bear’s Downs. The steep catchment means rain runs off rapidly into the stream. The catchment is agricultural, with around 20 farms. The rural areas are a patchwork of improved grassland and arable. The catchment includes the settlements of St Eval and Porthcothan as well as several smaller villages and at least four caravan sites.
  • bathing water

    Porthcothan

  • local authority
    Cornwall
  • season interval

    p152 dT23 h59 m59 s

  • source
    row=0354
  • standard language collection

    2019 32550:1

    • 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
    ukk3104 32550 1 webres.jpg

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