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2012 Bathing Water Profile for Spittal

Spittal Beach is a gently sloping resort beach approximately one kilometre long situated immediately south of the mouth of the River Tweed.

Northumberland

There is a combined sewer overflow (CSO) which may discharge onto the beach during heavy rainfall. The impact of this has been investigated along with that of other CSOs in the Berwick area and investment has been secured which will see it intercepted and removed by 2012.

Since 1995, the Environment Agency have worked closely with Northumbrian Water to identify and deliver significant investment in the sewage infrastructure around this bathing water.

Environment Agency research suggests this bathing water does not have a history of large amounts of seaweed (macroalgae).

Modern sewerage systems have two separate systems, one takes foul sewage to sewage treatment, the other takes rainwater runoff through surface water drains to rivers, lakes and the sea. Misconnections occur when waste water pipes are plumbed into surface water drains instead of the foul water sewerage system. This can give rise to pollution when the waste water is discharged directly to the environment through the surface water drain. For example, a washing machine or toilet may be incorrectly plumbed so that it discharges to the surface drain rather than the foul sewage drain.

Environment Agency research suggests this bathing water does not have a history of phytoplankton blooms.

The Tweed Estuary discharges to the sea just to the north end of the bathing water. There are a number of combined sewer overflows and pumping station emergency overflows to the estuary throughout its length as well as diffuse run off from agricultural land which affects the river. After heavy rain the cumulative effect can have a short-term impact on bathing water quality.

Sewage from Berwick, Spittal and Tweedmouth is treated at a sewage works that discharges to the Tweed estuary to the west of the town.

The River Tweed rises over 100km to the west and drains a catchment of approx 4000 sq km. The lower part of the catchment which influences bathing water quality is predominantly devoted to arable farming. The historic town of Berwick-upon-Tweed and its satellites, Spittal and Tweedmouth, lie at the mouth of the estuary.

2012:1

2013 Bathing Water Profile for Spittal

2013 Bathing Water Profile for Spittal

Spittal Beach is a gently sloping resort beach approximately one kilometre long situated immediately south of the mouth of the River Tweed.

Northumberland

A combined sewer overflow (CSO) which could discharge onto the beach during heavy rainfall was removed in early 2012. Other CSOs discharge to the estuary and contribute to pollution at the bathing water during wet weather.

Our investigations are aimed at identifying non water company sources of pollution that may be affecting the bathing water so that we can implement measures to address them. We believe that agricultural sources in the Tweed catchment may be significant, particularly in wet weather.

Environment Agency research suggests this bathing water does not have a history of large amounts of seaweed (macroalgae).

Environment Agency research suggests this bathing water does not have a history of phytoplankton blooms.

Sewage from Berwick, Spittal and Tweedmouth is treated at a sewage works that discharges to the Tweed estuary to the west of the town.

2013:1

2014 Bathing Water Profile for Spittal

2014 Bathing Water Profile for Spittal

Spittal Beach is a gently sloping resort beach approximately one kilometre long situated immediately south of the mouth of the River Tweed.

Northumberland

The Environment Agency's investigations have been aimed at identifying non water company sources of pollution that may be affecting the bathing water so that we can implement measures to address them. We believe that agricultural sources in the Tweed catchment may be significant, particularly in wet weather, although we have not found evidence pointing to any particularly important source.

Environment Agency research suggests this bathing water does not have a history of large amounts of seaweed (macroalgae).

Environment Agency research suggests this bathing water does not have a history of phytoplankton blooms.

The Tweed Estuary discharges to the sea at the north end of the bathing water. Diffuse run off from agricultural land and upstream settlements affects the bacteriological quality of the river. After heavy rain, this can have a short-term impact on bathing water quality. High river flows also shorten residence times in the estuary, exacerbating the impact of discharges from the sewerage system in and around Berwick.

Sewage from Berwick, Spittal and Tweedmouth is treated at a sewage works that discharges to the Tweed estuary to the west of the town.

The River Tweed rises over 100km to the west and drains a catchment of approx 4000 sq km. The lower part of the catchment which influences bathing water quality is predominantly devoted to arable and livestock farming. The historic town of Berwick-upon-Tweed and its satellites, Spittal and Tweedmouth, lie at the mouth of the estuary.

2014-03600:1

2015 Bathing Water Profile for Spittal

2015 Bathing Water Profile for Spittal

30/09/2015

01/05/2015

Spittal Beach is a gently sloping resort beach approximately one kilometre long situated immediately south of the mouth of the River Tweed.

Northumberland

Environment Agency research suggests this bathing water does not have a history of large amounts of seaweed (macro algae).

Environment Agency research suggests this bathing water does not have a history of phytoplankton blooms.

This bathing water is subject to short term pollution. Short term pollution is caused when heavy rainfall washes faecal material into the sea from livestock, sewage and urban drainage via rivers and streams. At this site the risk of encountering reduced water quality increases after rainfall and typically returns to normal after 1-3 days. The Environment Agency makes daily pollution risk forecasts based on rainfall patterns and will issue a pollution risk warning if heavy rainfall occurs to enable bathers to avoid periods of increased risk. The Environment Agency works to reduce the sources of this pollution through pollution prevention measures, work with agriculture and water companies. 13 warnings advising against swimming due to an increase risk of short term pollution were issued in 2015 for Spittal bathing water. These warnings were issued because of the effects of heavy rain on the water quality.

Sewage from Berwick, Spittal and Tweedmouth is treated at a sewage works that discharges to the Tweed estuary to the west of the town.

Environment Agency samplers make observations of litter present on the beach at every visit, this includes assessments of sewage debris, litter and tar. At Spittal for the four year (2012-2015) assessment period where data is available, sewage debris was not assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable, but was observed as being present on 2% of visits. Litter was not assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable, but was observed as being present on 96% of visits. Tarry residue was not noted at this site.

The catchment of the River Tweed is largely agricultural with a mixture of arable and livestock farming. During and after periods of heavy rainfall, runoff from agricultural areas will be greatly increased. The quality of the bathing water may be adversely affected as a result of such events. The limited data collected on sources of bacteria suggests that livestock may be a significant source, particularly when river flows are high. We have engaged with the local farming community but livestock numbers in the local catchment are low suggesting a more diffuse contribution from a wider catchment.

The River Tweed rises over 100km to the west and drains a catchment of approx 4000 sq km. The lower part of the catchment which influences bathing water quality is predominantly devoted to arable and livestock farming. The historic town of Berwick-upon-Tweed and its satellites, Spittal and Tweedmouth, lie at the mouth of the estuary.

2015-03600:1

2016 Bathing Water Profile for Spittal

2016 Bathing Water Profile for Spittal

30/09/2016

01/05/2016

Spittal Beach is a gently sloping resort beach approximately one kilometre long situated immediately south of the mouth of the River Tweed.

Northumberland

Environment Agency research suggests this bathing water does not have a history of large amounts of seaweed (macro algae).

Environment Agency research suggests this bathing water does not have a history of phytoplankton blooms.

This bathing water is subject to short term pollution. Short term pollution is caused when heavy rainfall washes faecal material into the sea from livestock, sewage and urban drainage via rivers and streams. At this site the risk of encountering reduced water quality increases after rainfall and typically returns to normal after 1-3 days. The Environment Agency makes daily pollution risk forecasts based on rainfall patterns and will issue a pollution risk warning if heavy rainfall occurs to enable bathers to avoid periods of increased risk. The Environment Agency works to reduce the sources of this pollution through pollution prevention measures, work with agriculture and water companies. 13 warnings advising against swimming due to an increase risk of short term pollution were issued in 2016 for Spittal bathing water. These warnings were issued because of the effects of heavy rain on the water quality.

Sewage from Berwick, Spittal and Tweedmouth is treated at a sewage works that discharges to the Tweed estuary to the west of the town.

Environment Agency samplers make observations of litter present on the beach at every visit, this includes assessments of sewage debris, litter and tar. At Spittal for the four year (2013-2016) assessment period where data is available, sewage debris was not assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable, but was observed as being present on 1% of visits. Litter was not assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable, but was observed as being present on 95% of visits. Tarry residue was not noted at this site.

The River Tweed rises over 100km to the west and drains a catchment of approx 4000 sq km. The lower part of the catchment which influences bathing water quality is predominantly devoted to arable and livestock farming. The historic town of Berwick-upon-Tweed and its satellites, Spittal and Tweedmouth, lie at the mouth of the estuary.

2016-03600:1

2017 Bathing Water Profile for Spittal

2017 Bathing Water Profile for Spittal

30/09/2017

01/05/2017

Spittal Beach is a gently sloping resort beach approximately one kilometre long situated immediately south of the mouth of the River Tweed.

Northumberland

Northumberland

Environment Agency research suggests this bathing water does not have a history of large amounts of seaweed (macro algae).

Environment Agency research suggests this bathing water does not have a history of phytoplankton blooms.

This bathing water is subject to short term pollution. Short term pollution is caused when heavy rainfall washes faecal material into the sea from livestock, sewage and urban drainage via rivers and streams. At this site the risk of encountering reduced water quality increases after rainfall and typically returns to normal after 1-3 days. The Environment Agency makes daily pollution risk forecasts based on rainfall patterns and will issue a pollution risk warning if heavy rainfall occurs to enable bathers to avoid periods of increased risk. The Environment Agency works to reduce the sources of this pollution through pollution prevention measures, work with agriculture and water companies. 13 warnings advising against swimming due to an increase risk of short term pollution were issued in 2016 for Spittal bathing water. These warnings were issued because of the effects of heavy rain on the water quality.

Sewage from Berwick, Spittal and Tweedmouth is treated at a sewage works that discharges to the Tweed estuary to the west of the town.

Environment Agency samplers make observations of litter present on the beach at every visit, this includes assessments of sewage debris, litter and tar. At Spittal for the four year (2013-2016) assessment period where data is available, sewage debris was not assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable, but was observed as being present on 1% of visits. Litter was not assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable, but was observed as being present on 95% of visits. Tarry residue was not noted at this site.

The River Tweed rises over 100km to the west and drains a catchment of approx 4000 sq km. The lower part of the catchment which influences bathing water quality is predominantly devoted to arable and livestock farming. The historic town of Berwick-upon-Tweed and its satellites, Spittal and Tweedmouth, lie at the mouth of the estuary.

2017-03600:1

2018 Bathing Water Profile for Spittal

2018 Bathing Water Profile for Spittal

30/09/2018

01/05/2018

Spittal Beach is a gently sloping resort beach approximately one kilometre long situated immediately south of the mouth of the River Tweed.

Northumberland

Northumberland

Environment Agency research suggests this bathing water does not have a history of large amounts of seaweed (macro algae).

Environment Agency research suggests this bathing water does not have a history of phytoplankton blooms.

This bathing water is subject to short term pollution. Short term pollution is caused when heavy rainfall washes faecal material into the sea from livestock, sewage and urban drainage via rivers and streams. At this site the risk of encountering reduced water quality increases after rainfall and typically returns to normal after 1-3 days. The Environment Agency makes daily pollution risk forecasts based on rainfall patterns and will issue a pollution risk warning if heavy rainfall occurs to enable bathers to avoid periods of increased risk. The Environment Agency works to reduce the sources of this pollution through pollution prevention measures, work with agriculture and water companies. 25 warnings advising against swimming due to an increase risk of short term pollution were issued in 2017 for Spittal bathing water. These warnings were issued because of the effects of heavy rain on the water quality.

This bathing water is subject to short term pollution. The Environment Agency makes daily pollution risk forecasts based on rainfall patterns. A pollution risk warning is issued if heavy rainfall occurs to enable bathers to avoid periods when bathing water quality may be reduced. This may last between 1-3 days. In 2017 warnings were issued on 25 days.

This bathing water may be affected by pollution in run off from agricultural land, urban areas, and occasional discharges from storm overflows carried by the River Tweed. During or after periods of heavy rainfall the impact from these sources of pollution can increase the risk of reduced bathing water quality.

Sewage from Berwick, Spittal and Tweedmouth is treated at a sewage works that discharges to the Tweed estuary to the west of the town.

Environment Agency samplers make observations of litter present on the beach at every visit, this includes assessments of sewage debris, litter and tar. At Spittal for the four year (2014-2017) 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 95% of visits. Tarry residue was not noted at this site.

The River Tweed rises over 100km to the west and drains a catchment of approx 4000 sq km. The lower part of the catchment which influences bathing water quality is predominantly devoted to arable and livestock farming. The historic town of Berwick-upon-Tweed and its satellites, Spittal and Tweedmouth, lie at the mouth of the estuary.

2018-03600:1

2019 Bathing Water Profile for Spittal

2019 Bathing Water Profile for Spittal

30/09/2019

01/05/2019

Spittal Beach is a gently sloping resort beach approximately one kilometre long situated immediately south of the mouth of the River Tweed.

Northumberland

Northumberland

For the four year (2015-2018) assessment period where data is available, seaweed (macroalgae) was not assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable, but was observed as being present on 98% of visits. Environment Agency research suggests this bathing water does not have a history of large amounts of seaweed (macro algae).

For the four year (2015-2018) 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. Environment Agency research suggests 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. Short term pollution is caused when heavy rainfall or high tides wash faecal material into the sea from livestock, sewage and urban drainage via rivers and streams. At this site the risk of encountering reduced water quality increases after rainfall and typically returns to normal after 1-3 days. The Environment Agency makes daily pollution risk forecasts based on rainfall and tidal patterns and will issue a pollution risk warning if high tides or heavy rainfall occurs to enable bathers to avoid periods of increased risk. The Environment Agency works to reduce the sources of this pollution through pollution prevention measures, work with agriculture and water companies. 18 warnings advising against swimming due to an increase risk of short term pollution were issued in 2018 for Spittal bathing water. These warnings were issued because of the effects of heavy rain on the water quality.

This bathing water is subject to short term pollution. The Environment Agency makes daily pollution risk forecasts based on rainfall and tidal patterns. A pollution risk warning is issued if heavy rainfall occurs to enable bathers to avoid periods when bathing water quality may be reduced. This may last between 1-3 days. In 2018 warnings were issued on 18 days.

Sewage from Berwick, Spittal and Tweedmouth is treated at a sewage works that discharges to the Tweed estuary to the west of the town.

Environment Agency samplers make observations of litter present on the beach at every visit, this includes assessments of sewage debris, litter and tar. At Spittal for the four year (2015-2018) 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 94% of visits. Tarry residue was not noted at this site.

The River Tweed rises over 100km to the west and drains a catchment of approx 4000 sq km. The lower part of the catchment which influences bathing water quality is predominantly devoted to arable and livestock farming. The historic town of Berwick-upon-Tweed and its satellites, Spittal and Tweedmouth, lie at the mouth of the estuary.

2019-03600:1

2020 Bathing Water Profile for Spittal

2020 Bathing Water Profile for Spittal

30/09/2020

01/05/2020

Spittal Beach is a gently sloping resort beach approximately one kilometre long situated immediately south of the mouth of the River Tweed.

Northumberland

Northumberland

For the four year (2016-2019) assessment period where data is available, seaweed (macroalgae) was not assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable, but was observed as being present on 97% of visits. Environment Agency research suggests this bathing water does not have a history of large amounts of seaweed (macro algae).

For the four year (2016-2019) 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 3% of visits. Environment Agency research suggests 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.

The Environment Agency makes a daily pollution risk forecast at this site based on the effects of rain, tide and wind 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 cause a temporary reduction in water quality, we will issue a pollution risk warning on this website. Water quality will 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 2019 35 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.

Sewage from Berwick, Spittal and Tweedmouth is treated at a sewage works that discharges to the Tweed estuary to the west of the town.

Environment Agency samplers make observations of litter present on the beach at every visit, this includes assessments of sewage debris, litter and tar. At Spittal for the four year (2016-2019) 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 95% of visits. Tarry residue was not noted at this site.

The River Tweed rises over 100km to the west and drains a catchment of approx 4000 sq km. The lower part of the catchment which influences bathing water quality is predominantly devoted to arable and livestock farming. The historic town of Berwick-upon-Tweed and its satellites, Spittal and Tweedmouth, lie at the mouth of the estuary.

2020-03600:1

2021 Bathing Water Profile for Spittal

2021 Bathing Water Profile for Spittal

30/09/2021

01/05/2021

Spittal Beach is a gently sloping resort beach approximately one kilometre long situated immediately south of the mouth of the River Tweed.

Northumberland

Northumberland

Following an investigation in 2007 into the pollution sources impacting Spittal bathing water quality, the water company carried out operational improvements to the sewer network to reduce the likelihood of storm overflow spills. A combined sewer overflow (CSO) which could discharge onto the beach during heavy rainfall was removed in early 2012. Other CSOs discharge to the estuary and contribute to pollution at the bathing water when river flows are high during wet weather.

Since 1995, the Environment Agency have worked closely with Northumbrian Water to identify and deliver significant investment in the sewage infrastructure around this bathing water. Most recently, an investigation by Northumbrian water into the effects of their systems on bathing water quality has led to improvements at 2 CSOs. In 2016 it was determined that a catchment-wide solution, considering the impact of both sewerage and diffuse sources, would be needed for Spittal to reach Good.

For the four year (2017-2020) assessment period where data is available, seaweed (macroalgae) was not assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable, but was observed as being present on 97% of visits. Environment Agency research suggests this bathing water does not have a history of large amounts of seaweed (macro algae).

measurement type

measurementTypeRain
measurementTypeTide
measurementTypeTime
measurementTypeWind

For the four year (2017-2020) assessment period where data is available, phytoplankton (microscopic algae) was not noted at this site. Environment Agency research suggests 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, tide, wind and seasonality 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 2020 12 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.

This bathing water is subject to short term pollution procedures. The Environment Agency makes a daily pollution risk forecast based on the effects of rain, tide, wind and seasonality. 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 short term pollution is likely a pollution risk warning is issued and a warning is displayed at this bathing water and online. After a pollution risk warning, levels of bacteria usually return to normal after a day or so, but it’s possible to have several warning days in a row. In 2020 12 pollution risk warnings were issued at this bathing water.

Sewage from Berwick, Spittal and Tweedmouth is treated at a sewage works that discharges to the Tweed estuary to the west of the town.

Environment Agency samplers make observations of litter present on the beach at every visit, this includes assessments of sewage debris, litter and tar. At Spittal for the four year (2017-2020) 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 95% of visits. Tarry residue was not noted at this site.

The catchment of the River Tweed is largely agricultural with a mixture of arable and livestock farming. During and after periods of heavy rainfall, runoff from agricultural areas will be greatly increased. The quality of the bathing water may be adversely affected as a result of such events. The limited data collected on sources of bacteria suggests that livestock may be a significant source, particularly when river flows are high. In 2017, SEPA carried out a catchment investigation in the River Tweed and Spittal catchment. They visited farms along the Tweed and Whiteadder and worked with farmers to ensure best practice was adhered to, for the betterment of the water quality in the catchment and Spittal bathing water. Bathing water quality has significantly improved since this investigation concluded.