Ladram Bay is on the south coast of Devon. It is a small beach resort, approximately
145 metres wide, backed by cliffs. Ladram Bay is a picturesque secluded cove with
a sand and shingle beach characterised by two high red rock sea stacks which make
the scenery particularly spectacular and popular with sea birds. It is one of the
highlights of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Otterton sewage treatment works (STW) was originally identified for ultraviolet (UV)
disinfection by December 2001. The scheme was completed by South West Water in March
2003.
The Environment Agency have carried out extensive additional catchment monitoring
alongside the routine bathing water monitoring. The Environment Agency have been using
a DNA tracing technique to help identify whether sources of faecal pollution are animal
or human. Results to date have shown inputs from seagulls, cattle, and dogs. This
data will help us when working with the beach operator to pinpoint pollution problems
and improve the bathing water quality. The Environment Agency continue to investigate
sources of potential pollution at the bathing water.
Wrongly connected domestic waste water pipes can affect the bathing water quality.
The Environment Agency have checked the local sewerage system at the caravan park
for misconnections.
For the four year (2020-2023) assessment period where data is available, seaweed (macroalgae)
was assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable for 2% of visits, with 68% of
visits noting the presence of seaweed (macroalgae). The bathing water can become covered
with large amounts of seaweed at certain times of the year, depending on tides and
the weather. Groynes and rocks, platforms or other fixed objects may also develop
a covering of seaweed which can be slippery.
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 2% of visits. Phytoplankton (microscopic algae) naturally
increase in number at certain times of the year. This process is known as a phytoplankton
bloom. These blooms can discolour the water or form as a foam on the water. 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.
This bathing water is subject to short term pollution procedures. The Environment
Agency makes a daily pollution risk forecast at this site based on the effects of
rain, wind and sunlight on bathing water quality. These factors affect the levels
of bacteria that get washed into the sea from livestock, sewage and urban drainage
via rivers and streams and how they disperse.
When these factors combine to make short term pollution likely we issue a pollution
risk warning on this website and the beach manager will display a sign advising against
bathing at the bathing water. After a short term pollution event, levels of bacteria
typically return to normal after a day or so but it’s possible to have several warning
days in a row. Details of the work to reduce the sources of bacteria at this bathing
water are detailed in this profile.
In 2023 9 pollution risk warnings were issued for this bathing water.
All bathing waters have the potential to be affected by a pollution incident and if
this occurs a pollution risk warning will be issued with associated advice against
bathing on this website.
Streams and rivers are typically affected by human sewage, animal slurry and runoff
from roads. There is a small stream 100m west of the bathing water monitoring point
which can be affected by inputs from the catchment.
The Otterton STW outfall discharges to the sea one kilometre south of Ladram Bay.
The discharge is disinfected and designed to protect bathing 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 Ladram Bay 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 54% of visits. Tarry residue was not noted at
this site.
There is one farm in the catchment. During and after periods of heavy rainfall, runoff
from agricultural land is greatly increased, and the quality of the bathing water
can be reduced. This is particularly evident if livestock have free access to watercourses
and are close to the bathing water monitoring point.
There is a caravan park which has a privately owned pumping station at the bottom
of the valley. This pumps all flows to Otterton STW. As a result of Environment Agency
discussions with the caravan park staff a welcome pack has been produced for each
caravan to promote responsible behaviour for visitors and their pets and reduce the
impact from dog faeces in the catchment. Additional dog bins along the coast path
have also been provided. A large portion of the run-off from a bridle path at the
caravan site has been re-directed into adjacent fields to ensure any contamination
is kept away from the beach. In addition to reduce the presence of gulls, individual
bins have been removed from each caravan and replaced them with a communal bin. It
appears this has reduced gull activity on the site. We continue to work with the caravan
park owners to help them reduce pollution.
The catchment surrounding Ladram Bay is approximately 17 hectares. The steep catchment
means rain runs off rapidly into the small stream which flows across the beach. There
is a caravan park at the top of the path leading to the beach, and land use in the
remainder of the catchment is rural.
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.
