A number of West Country beaches have been marked as a "pollution risk" following heavy rainfall yesterday (July 4). This means it can be dangerous to enter the water due to contamination.
There are currently 14 beaches in Devon which are considered a risk by Surfers Against Sewage (SAS). This accounts for around 30 per cent of the county's beaches.
The main contributing factor to polluted beaches is urban runoff, which sees fertilizers, pesticides, oil, and untreated human and animal waste all entering waterways, such as rivers. Some experts suggest waiting up to 72 hours before entering the sea again after heavy rain, DevonLive reports.
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The contaminated water often remains on the surface, and if swallowed could lead to gastroenteritis, hepatitis, giardiasis, skin rashes, amoebic dysentery, nose, ear, and throat problems, pink eye, and other respiratory illnesses. Symptoms to look out for include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, inflamed stomach and intestines.
Here is the full list of Devon beaches that are currently marked as pollution risks.
Seaton - Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. The Seaton Sewage Treatment Works discharges disinfected sewage into the River Axe Estuary two and a half kilometres from the bathing water.
Beer - Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. Three sewer overflows surround Beer with one discharging from Beer car park, one discharging 600m North East and one slightly further to the South.
Sidmouth - Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. Two sewer overflows are located at Sidmouth, one discharges through a long sea outfall some 600m out to sea while the other discharges into the River Sid, just under 400m to the east.
Budleigh Salterton - Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. There are three sewer overflows in the area, one discharges directly onto the beach, another 400m east and another that discharges 1.3km away into the sea.
Sandy Bay - Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
Exmouth - Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. There is a sewer overflow discharging through an outfall to the south east which may affect bathing water quality especially after heavy rainfall.
Dawlish - Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. There are five sewer overflows covered by the Safer Seas Service here within 650m off the beach which can operate in heavy rainfall.
Holcombe - Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. A sewer overflow discharges into the Holcombe Stream 40m upstream of the beach.
Meadfoot - Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
Mill Bay - Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
Mothecombe - Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. There are no sewer overflows directly on the beach at Mothecombe however a number of urban areas (Ermington, Ivybridge etc.) can discharge into the River Erme whose estuary Mothecombe is located in.
Plymouth Hoe East - Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. There is a sewer overflow that discharges SW of the beach and a number more in the surrounding area that support the city of Plymouth.
Plymouth Hoe West - Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. There is a sewer overflow that discharges south west of the beach and more are located in the surrounding area which support the city of Plymouth.
Westward Ho! - Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. A sewer overflow discharges to the sea at Nose Rock at the southern end of the beach while the Tawe/Torridge estuary also receives overflows from the surrounding urban area which may affect water quality especially after heavy rainfall.
To find out more and to see where is safe to swim visit Surfers Against Sewage's website here.
