2024 Bathing Water Profile for Slapton Sands Monument

http://environment.data.gov.uk/data/bathing-water-profile/ukk4305-24900/2024:1

  • bathing water description
    Slapton Sands Monument is on the south coast of Devon. It is a shingle beach, approximately one kilometre wide, backed by Slapton Ley Nature Reserve.
  • controller name
    South Hams
  • county name
    Devon
  • 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 65% 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 Slapton Sands Monument
  • 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 Slapton Sands Monument 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 50% of visits. Tarry residue was not noted at this site.
  • zoi description
    The catchment surrounding Slapton Sands Monument is approximately 4,800 hectares. The landscape is composed of flat-topped ridges, dissected by narrow valleys. Behind the shingle ridge of Slapton Sands is the nature reserve of Slapton Ley, which is a freshwater lagoon fed by two main streams. The Slapton Stream is approximately six kilometres long and enters the lagoon at the centre of the bay. The Gara River enters the eastern side of the lagoon and is the main stream in the catchment. Both rivers spill out into floodplains in the lower catchment, affecting habitats and management near Slapton Ley. Land use is mainly agricultural with livestock including beef and dairy cattle, sheep, horses, pigs, deer and alpacas. Arable land and cultivation dominate the flat land in the upper areas of the catchment.
  • bathing water

    Slapton Sands Monument

  • local authority
    South Hams
  • season interval

    p152 dT23 h59 m59 s

  • source
    row=0269
  • standard language collection

    2024 24900:1

    • 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
    ukk4305 24900 1 webres.jpg

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