West Runton is predominately a sand and shingle beach, but also has some rocky areas
and is backed by a sandy cliff. The beach is below cliffs which are protected from
wave action by a series of wooden & concrete structures.
The Environment Agency and Anglian Water have worked closely together to improve the
sewerage infrastructure around this bathing water. The long sea outfall at West Runton
was commissioned in 1995 and replaced short sea outfalls at Cromer, Sheringham, West
Runton, East Runton and Overstrand.
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.
For the four year (2020-2023) assessment period where data is available, seaweed (macroalgae)
was assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable for 2% of visits, with 67% of
visits noting the presence of seaweed (macroalgae). This bathing water does not have
a history of large amounts of seaweed (macro algae). However groynes and rocks, platforms
or other fixed objects may develop a covering of seaweed which can be slippery.
Modern sewerage systems have two separate systems, one takes foul sewage to sewage
treatment, the other takes rainwater runoff through surface water drains to rivers,
lakes and the sea. Misconnections occur when waste water pipes are plumbed into surface
water drains instead of the foul water sewerage system. This can give rise to pollution
when the waste water is discharged directly to the environment through the surface
water drain. For example, a washing machine or toilet may be incorrectly plumbed so
that it discharges to the surface drain rather than the foul sewage drain.
For the four year (2020-2023) assessment period where data is available, phytoplankton
(microscopic algae) was not assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable, but
was observed as being present on 2% of visits. 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.
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.
The stream which flows across the beach can be a source of reduced water quality after
heavy rainfall. Local village ponds, which are home to a large population of ducks
and geese, overflow to the stream and may have a small effect on water quality. During
periods of rainfall excess water from road surfaces may drain into the stream.
The sewage treatment works serving this catchment was upgraded in 2001 to protect
the bathing water quality of the area. This sewage works discharges to the North Sea
via a 2km long sea outfall off West Runton and does not affect compliance at this
bathing water.
Environment Agency samplers make observations of litter present on the beach at every
visit, this includes assessments of sewage debris, litter and tar. At West Runton
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 34% of visits. Tarry residue was not noted at
this site.
West Runton is a holiday village set in a rural catchment with the beach about 500m
away. There is a caravan site on the cliffs about 600m west of the beach access point.
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.
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.
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.
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.
