2024 Bathing Water Profile for Breakwater Beach (Shoalstone)

http://environment.data.gov.uk/data/bathing-water-profile/ukk4200-24500/2024:1

  • bathing water description
    Shoalstone is at Brixham on the south coast of Devon. It is a shingle beach resort, approximately 650 metres wide, next to Brixham harbour and the town.
  • controller name
    Torbay
  • county name
    Devon
  • eso outfalls statement
    There is a storm overflow from Berry Head, that discharges to the sea 100m east 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
    In the past the main water company affects on this bathing water were from intermittent discharges entering Torbay and the untreated outfall at Hopes Nose, which was removed as part of South West Water's sewage treatment scheme for Torbay commissioned in May 2002. The scheme consisted of extensive resewerage and improvements to unsatisfactory combined sewer overflows (CSO) and pumping stations. A sewage works was built at Brokenbury Quarry in 2002 where effluent receives secondary treatment and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection before discharge through an extended outfall at Sharkham Point. Flows from the untreated outfall at Hopes Nose were transferred to Brokenbury by June 2003, and this outfall was retained as a CSO. Brixham is served by combined sewers, which drain by gravity to the town centre and are transferred to Oxen Cove pumping station. Sewage is pumped from Oxen Cove to the Brokenbury Quarry STW for treatment. Berry Head Road CSO was improved in March 2003, and Eden Park CSO was improved in September 2003. Storm overflow event duration monitoring (EDM) was installed at Berry Head Road 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 69% 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. These blooms can discolour the water or form as a foam on the water. 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 Breakwater Beach (Shoalstone)
  • sampling frequency
    10
  • season finish date
    2024-09-30
  • season start date
    2024-05-01
  • 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 Breakwater Beach (Shoalstone) 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 48% of visits. Tarry residue was not noted at this site.
  • working with private owners statement
    In 2015, a nearby cafe installed a treatment system to remove, fats, oils and greases from their wastewater.
  • zoi description
    The catchment surrounding Breakwater Beach (Shoalstone) is approximately 810 hectares. The Higher Brixham stream flows southwest from Kennels Road and enters the sea at Brixham Outer Harbour. This stream is approximately seven kilometres long including a tributary. The upstream section is rural and receives surface water runoff from fields. Downstream of Rowan Way the catchment becomes urban and receives surface water runoff from housing developments. In this downstream section the stream has been partly channelled underground.
  • bathing water

    Breakwater Beach (Shoalstone)

  • local authority
    Torbay
  • season interval

    p152 dT23 h59 m59 s

  • source
    row=0265
  • standard language collection

    2024 24500:1

    • 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
    ukk4200 24500 1 webres.jpg

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