The quality of sea water in Brean and Berrow has this week been praised as being of a high standard, while Burnham-On-Sea remains ‘poor’ according to a new survey by The Environment Agency.
The agency monitors sea water quality from May to September at over 400 locations around the UK so that beach users know how clean the water is when they swim or paddle.
The classifications are set according to the level of bacteria in the water, based on guidelines produced by the World Health Organisation to protect health.
The sea water at Berrow beach has been classified as ‘good’, Brean as ‘excellent’, and Burnham as ‘poor’ in this year’s study, published this week.
Wessex Water has delivered over £36m of improvements in the Burnham-On-Sea area to try and reduce pollution sources from their sewerage system.
A Sedgemoor District Council spokeswoman said: “This includes building new storage tanks to reduce storm water being released into rivers and the sea, a first time sewerage scheme at Dunball, ultraviolet disinfection at Cannington sewage works and at Highbridge storm tanks discharge.”
“We are continuing to work with Wessex Water to improve the quality of the UV disinfected effluent from West Huntspill sewage treatment works.”
“We are working with Wessex Water to reduce the number of misconnections (foul sewer connection to surface water drainage) from homes and businesses via the StreamClean partnership, and with Sedgemoor District Council to reduce the risks from ill-maintained septic tanks. Wessex Water also have a project looking at opportunities to reduce surface water drainage into sewers due for completion by 2020.”
“Agricultural areas that pose the greatest risk to the bathing water are being identified and agricultural contributions continue to be addressed. With Catchment Sensitive Farming, we continue to work with farmers to tackle these sources by introducing better farming practices. This includes advice on farm yard management and reviewing farm permits.”
“We continue to support the Litter Free Coast and Sea Somerset campaign, led by Severn Estuary Partnership and focussed on Burnham’s bathing water. The project aims to educate and influence behaviours that can protect and improve bathing water quality.”
“Everyone has a part to play in protecting and improving our great bathing waters. If we continue to work together to reduce pollution, we can improve water quality and ensure our bathing waters and coastal communities continue to thrive.”
What can affect sea water quality?
There are a number of factors that can affect sea water quality in Burnham:
One of the main sources of pollution is from ‘diffuse pollution’, which is where pollution washes off the land and flows down streams and rivers and into the sea. At Burnham Jetty North, diffuse pollution mainly comes from rural land, with a small impact from urban land.
Pollution also comes from sewage treatment works and combined sewer overflows (CSOs). CSOs are overflow pipes designed to prevent flooding by relieving pressure on sewerage systems during periods of high rainfall. They allow rainwater and diluted sewage to bypass sewage treatment works and flow directly into rivers and coastal waters.
Misconnections in homes and businesses along with disposal of fats, oils and grease can affect water quality. The Environment Agency work in partnership with Wessex Water to locate and remediate misconnections.
Residents and visitors can help by observing dog bans on the beach, clearing up after their dogs and ensuring their homes are properly connected to the mains sewer.
Water quality at this beach can deteriorate after heavy rainfall. Pollution Risk Forecasting is used to advise the public when there is a risk of reduced water quality. Temporary signs are placed on the beach and pollution forecasts can also be viewed on our bathing water data explorer at www.gov.uk.
