2024 Bathing Water Profile for Upton Towans
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Upton Towans is north of the mouth of the Hayle Estuary on the north coast of Cornwall. It is a sandy beach resort, approximately 750 metres wide. The bathing water is backed by an extensive dune system (The Towans) which extends four kilometres northeast from Phillack to Gwithian. It also lies within the Gwithian to Mexico Towans site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
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Cornwall
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Cornwall
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This is a newly designated bathing water. No actions specific to this bathing water have been identified. However, actions to improve water quality at other bathing waters nearby will also have improved the quality of this bathing water. The Environment Agency works with the water companies, local authorities and others to investigate any sources of contamination and to improve water quality at bathing waters.
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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 78% of visits. This bathing water does not have a history of large amounts of seaweed (macro algae).
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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.
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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.
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2024 Bathing Water Profile for Upton Towans
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2024-09-30
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2024-05-01
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Environment Agency samplers make observations of litter present on the beach at every visit, this includes assessments of sewage debris, litter and tar. At Upton Towans for the three year (2021-2023) 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 51% of visits noting the presence of litter. Tarry residue was not noted at this site.
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There are no rivers or other freshwater inputs close to the beach.
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Upton Towans
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Upton Towans
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Sampling point at Upton Towans
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157332
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50.215181048375264
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-5.402911509386382
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40563
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Sampling point at Upton Towans
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p152 dT23 h59 m59 s
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2024 05 01 t00:00:00
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2024-05-01T00:00:00
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2024 09 30 t23:59:59
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2024-09-30T23:59:59
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2024 31350:1
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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.
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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.
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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.
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It is the Environment Agency's 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.
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Discharges from sewage treatment works have improved substantially in England since the 1980s.
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