2022 Bathing Water Profile for Bournemouth Alum Chine
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Bournemouth Alum Chine forms part of the 15 kilometre coastline of Poole Bay on the Dorset coast. It is a sandy beach resort, approximately 650 metres (m) wide, backed by the promenade and cliffs.
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Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
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Dorset
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In the past the main water company assets affecting this bathing water were from four storm overflows from the tunnel sewer along Bournemouth seafront. These overflows were Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth No 1, Boscombe Pier and Fisherman's Walk. Improvements were made to Fisherman's Walk by Wessex Water in 1993. Hengistbury Head pumping station (PS) and combined sewer overflow (CSO), and Boscombe Pier CSO were improved in early 1999. Bournemouth No.1 PS and CSO were improved in June 1999. Improvements to the treatment capacity and storm storage at Holdenhurst Sewage Treatment Works (STW) were completed in 1994. Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection and additional storm storage was installed at Holdenhurst STW by April 2001. In 2009 the CSO at Branksome Chine, which is part of the East Poole drainage system, was also improved.
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2022 Bathing Water Profile for Bournemouth Alum Chine
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For the four year (2018-2021) assessment period where data is available, seaweed (macroalgae) was not assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable, but was observed as being present on 62% of visits. This bathing water does not have a history of large amounts of seaweed (macro algae).
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For the four year (2018-2021) assessment period where data is available, phytoplankton (microscopic algae) was assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable for 4% of visits, with 4% of visits noting the presence of phytoplankton (microscopic algae). 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.
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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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2022 Bathing Water Profile for Bournemouth Alum Chine
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2022-09-30
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2022-05-01
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This bathing water typically achieves a high water quality standard.
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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 the bathing water profile.
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Sewage from the Bournemouth area is pumped to Holdenhurst (Bournemouth) STW. The outfall from Holdenhurst STW discharges to the River Stour, north of Bournemouth. This discharge is disinfected and designed to protect bathing water quality.
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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 Bournemouth Alum Chine for the four year (2018-2021) assessment period where data is available, sewage debris was not noted at this site. Litter was assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable for 19% of visits, with 71% of visits noting the presence of litter. Tarry residue was not noted at this site.
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The catchment surrounding Bournemouth Alum Chine is approximately 81 hectares. There are no streams which drain directly to this beach and land use is urban.
