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http://environment.data.gov.uk/data/bathing-water-profile/ukk1202-35900/2012:1
bathing water description | Weston-super-Mare Sand Bay is on the Somerset coast overlooking the Bristol Channel. It is a sand and shingle beach resort, approximately five kilometres wide, backed by sand dunes. There is a saltmarsh at the northern end, and Sand Point Headland is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). | ![]() |
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county name | North Somerset | ![]() |
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history statement | In the past this bathing water was affected by sewage discharges from the Weston-super-Mare sewage treatment works (STW) at the Black Rock outfall, and from Avonmouth STW. The Wessex Water sewage treatment scheme for Weston-super-Mare, which provides secondary treatment and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, was completed in 2000. Additional improvements were made to the sewerage system to reduce the frequency of storm and emergency overflows, particularly at the Black Rock outfall. Secondary treatment was provided at Avonmouth STW in 2000. Thirteen storm overflows discharging to the Avon Estuary were improved in early 2003, and increased secondary treatment capacity and storm storage was provided at Avonmouth STW by March 2004. | ![]() |
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macro algae statement | This bathing water does not have a history of large amounts of seaweed (macroalgae). | ![]() |
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phytoplankton statement | 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. | ![]() |
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stw outfalls statement | The outfall from Weston-super-Mare STW discharges to the sea at Black Rock five kilometres south of Sand Bay. This discharge is disinfected and designed to protect bathing water quality. | ![]() |
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version string | 1 | ![]() |
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zoi description | The catchment surrounding Weston-super-Mare Sand Bay is approximately 24,300 hectares, and includes the River Axe and its tributaries the Cheddar Yeo and Lox Yeo. These streams rise from limestone springs on the Mendip Hills at Wookey Hole Caves, and flow through the Somerset Levels and Moors to the sea in Weston Bay just north of Brean Down. The rivers are interconnected in several places by drainage channels (known locally as rhynes) controlled by sluices, forming a very complex artificial drainage system. The River Axe is also controlled by a sluice gate. The sluices affect the amount of freshwater entering the sea from the River Axe. The majority of the land is used for large scale agriculture, with more than 50 farms. | ![]() |
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bathing water |
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local authority | North Somerset Council | ![]() |
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source | line=000417 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
standard language collection |
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web res image | ukk1202-35900_1-webres.jpg |