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http://environment.data.gov.uk/data/bathing-water-profile/ukk4200-23700/2024:1
pollution risk forecasting | ![]() |
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sampling frequency | 15 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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bathing water description | Beacon Cove is on the south coast of Devon at Torquay. It is a small pebbled cove, approximately 500 metres wide, near the town centre next to Torquay Harbour. | ![]() |
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controller name | Torbay | ![]() |
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county name | Devon | ![]() |
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history statement | In the past the main affects on this bathing water were from streams and intermittent discharges entering Torbay, and particularly the untreated outfall at Hopes Nose. This discharge was removed as part of South West Water's sewage treatment scheme for Torbay which was commissioned in May 2002. The scheme consisted of extensive resewerage and improvements to unsatisfactory combined sewer overflows (CSO) and pumping stations, including those discharging into Torquay Harbour, which are the closest to Beacon Cove. The area is served by combined sewers, which drain by gravity to Ilsham Valley pumping station from where flows are pumped to Torbay for treatment. A sewage works was built at Brokenbury Quarry in 2002 where effluent receives secondary treatment and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection before discharge through an extended outfall at Sharkham Point. Flows from the untreated outfall at Hopes Nose were transferred to Brokenbury by June 2003, and this outfall was retained as a CSO. Storm overflow event duration monitoring (EDM) was installed at the Fleet Walk 1 and 2 CSOs by April 2011, and at the Beacon Hill CSO by April 2015. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
local authority statement | The urban area of Torquay immediately behind the beach is served by a combined (surface and sewer) system. There are no outfalls from the system onto the beach. | ![]() |
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macro algae statement | For the three year (2021-2023) assessment period where data is available, seaweed (macroalgae) was not assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable, but was observed as being present on 95% of visits. This bathing water does not have a history of large amounts of seaweed (macro algae). | ![]() |
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phytoplankton statement | For the three year (2021-2023) 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. | ![]() |
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pollution risk forecast statement | 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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version string | 1 | ![]() |
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visible pollution statement | Environment Agency samplers make observations of litter present on the beach at every visit, this includes assessments of sewage debris, litter and tar. At Beacon Cove for the three year (2021-2023) 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 77% of visits. Tarry residue was not noted at this site. | ![]() |
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zoi description | The catchment surrounding Beacon Cove is approximately 140 hectares. There are no streams within the beach area and the catchment is urban. | ![]() |
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bathing water |
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local authority | Torbay | ![]() |
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season interval |
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source | row=0270 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
standard language collection |
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web res image | ukk4200-23700_1-webres.jpg |