2024 Bathing Water Profile for Porthmeor

http://environment.data.gov.uk/data/bathing-water-profile/ukk3105-30800/2024:1

  • bathing water description
    Porthmeor is the main tourist beach in St Ives on the north coast of Cornwall. It is a sandy beach resort, approximately 640 metres wide, close to the town.
  • controller name
    Cornwall
  • county name
    Cornwall
  • history statement
    In the past Porthmeor bathing water was affected by the untreated outfall at Bamaluz Point. The outfall was removed as part of the South West Water scheme for Penzance and St Ives completed in early 1995. The scheme included extensive sewerage, improvements to intermittent discharges and the removal of untreated sewage discharges. Wastewater from St Ives is pumped to Hayle sewage treatment works (STW), where it receives secondary treatment before its discharge through a 2.7 kilometre (km) long sea outfall west of Godrevy Head. The Hayle STW was enlarged and upgraded in 1995 and again in 2000.
  • local authority statement
    This beach has a series of pipes that drain surface water from the surrounding area.
  • macro algae statement
    For the four year (2020-2023) assessment period where data is available, seaweed (macroalgae) was not assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable, but was observed as being present on 75% of visits. 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 Porthmeor
  • sampling frequency
    10
  • season finish date
    2024-09-30
  • season start date
    2024-05-01
  • stw outfalls statement
    Sewage from the St Ives area is pumped to Hayle STW for treatment, and discharges to the sea 4.7km northeast of the bathing water. 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 Porthmeor for the four year (2020-2023) 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 46% of visits. Tarry residue was not noted at this site.
  • zoi description
    The catchment surrounding Porthmeor is approximately 26 hectares. There are no streams discharging directly to the beach. Surface water collects on the steep northeast facing slopes and migrates down to the beach. Land use is largely urban and contains part of the resort town of St Ives and one caravan site. Part of the coast is designated as Aire Point to Carrick Du Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and the catchment lies within part of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
  • bathing water

    Porthmeor

  • local authority
    Cornwall
  • season interval

    p152 dT23 h59 m59 s

  • source
    row=0333
  • standard language collection

    2024 30800:1

    • 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
    ukk3105 30800 1 webres.jpg

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