Eypemouth is in Lyme Bay on the Dorset coast. It is a shingle beach, approximately
one kilometre wide, backed by cliffs. There is a stream flowing across the centre
of the beach to the sea.
There is an emergency/storm overflow from the Eype pumping station, that discharges
to the Eype Stream 300 metres upstream of the beach. The operation of the overflow
can lead to a drop in water quality at the bathing water. 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/
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 54% of visits. This bathing water does not have a history of large amounts
of seaweed (macro algae).
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 4% 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 Eype Stream flows across the beach at this bathing water. The Environment Agency
have monitored the stream since 1994 and found that it does not affect the bathing
water. This monitoring has now stopped.
Sewage from Eypemouth, and the Bridport area is treated at Bridport STW and discharges
to the sea 2.1km southeast of the bathing water. The discharge is designed to protect
water quality.
Environment Agency samplers make observations of litter present on the beach at every
visit, this includes assessments of sewage debris, litter and tar. At Eypemouth 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 62% of visits. Tarry residue was not noted at
this site.
The catchment surrounding Eypemouth is approximately 180 hectares. The Eype Stream
is approximately one kilometre long and flows from Higher Eype through the village
of Lower Eype before entering the sea at Eypemouth. The catchment is rural, with one
or two farms.
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.
