Devon hit with sewage pollution warnings with more heavy rain to come

Exmouth beach, August 28, 2024
-Credit: (Image: Mary Stenson/DevonLive)


Devon has once again been plagued by pollution alerts and warnings following torrential rain. The region is being battered by heavy rain and flooding, with further downpours forecast to continue into the weekend.

Campaign and charity group, Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) has warned that 16 spots across Devon should be avoided today. There are reported sewage leaks at a number of popular swimming locations following the recent torrential rain.

SAS has an interactive, real-time map which tracks the water quality around the country. The map highlights areas where sewage discharge has been reported, as well as highlighting pollution risks around the country.

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SAS have issued sewage alerts for 16 beaches across Devon today. They are:

Seaton Beer Sidmouth Sandy Bay Exmouth Teignmouth Holcombe Meadfoot St Marys Bay Mill Bay Plymouth Hoe West Plymouth Hoe East Plymouth Firestone Bay Westward Ho! Ilfracombe Hele Combe Martin Lynmouth

East Devon District Council has warned of sewage discharge at Exmouth beach following heavy rain last night. They have advised people to not enter the water at Exmouth, Budleigh and Seaton due to sewage pollution.

Their statement said: "Thursday 26 September 2024 East Devon beaches update. During the heavy rain overnight there were a number of storm overflows from sewer outfalls across the district, some of these are still discharging.

"You can view the detail on South West Water 's Waterfit live map. There are also pollution risk forecasts from the Environment Agency in place for Exmouth, Budleigh, and Seaton. We advise against bathing at these beaches today."

The Environment Agency (EA) has also warned against bathing in Exmouth. A pollution risk warning was issued this morning and said: "2024 Bathing Water Profile for Exmouth. 26/09/2024 08:30: Advice against bathing: pollution risk warning."

The EA added that there have been frequent pollution risks at Exmouth. It said: "Pollution risk forecasts are made every day at this bathing water".

The pollution warnings come after Met Office issued a number of weather warnings across the country for rain, which are in place until tomorrow. The Exeter-based forecasters are warning of floods, power cuts and widespread travel disruption.

Heavy rain is forecast to continue throughout the night, into tomorrow morning. The yellow weather warning covers the entire South West and is in place until 9am.

South West Water has been working on repairing a burst sewage main on Maer Road near a pumping station in Exmouth on August 14. Since the burst, Exmouth and the surrounding area has faced recurring 'do not swim' warnings from the council, SAS and the Environment Agency.

Richard Price, South West Water’s Managing Director for Waste Water Services gave an update on the ongoing work in Exmouth. They said: "A considerable amount of additional work has also been carried out to ensure the system can operate as normal while we investigate and repair the sewer, including adding devices that help manage the flows being pumped through the temporary pipes.

"Now that the damaged section of sewer has been taken offline, we are carrying out CCTV work both upstream and downstream of the burst section to investigate the condition of the pipe and evaluate any other sections which may need replacing before the sewer is repaired and brought back online.

"We know how disappointed residents and visitors to Exmouth are. I would like to reassure you that we are doing everything we can, as quickly and thoroughly as possible, to ensure your local wastewater network is fit for the future."