Tregonhawke beach is in Whitsand Bay on the south coast of Cornwall. It is a long
sand and rock beach approximately 1 kilometre wide, backed by steep cliffs. There
are no freshwater streams directly entering the sea at the bathing water. The beach
at Tregonhawke is within Whitsand and Looe Bay Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ).
This is a newly designated bathing water. 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 three year (2021-2023) assessment period where data is available, seaweed
(macroalgae) was assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable for 3% of visits,
with 57% of visits noting the presence of seaweed (macroalgae). This bathing water
does not have a history of large amounts of seaweed (macro algae).
For the three year (2021-2023) 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.
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.
Environment Agency samplers make observations of litter present on the beach at every
visit, this includes assessments of sewage debris, litter and tar. At Tregonhawke
for the three year (2021-2023) assessment period where data is available, sewage debris
was not noted at this site. Litter was assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable
for 2% of visits, with 23% of visits noting the presence of litter. Tarry residue
was not noted at this site.
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's 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.
