Beachgoers have been urged not to panic if they spot the sea looking green today. The water at Exmouth Beach is set to turn green or yellow as part of testing by South West Water.
It follows concerns from the local community over reports of sewage being dumped in the water, reports Devon Live. While tests have confirmed that the 'sewage' was actually rotten seaweed and unrelated to South West Water's infrastructure, the company will be carrying out a dye test in a bid to reassure locals.
It's hoped the dye will identify the location of the storm overflow discharge point.
READ MORE: Find the sewage-free Blue Flag beaches near you
From 8:30am today (June 14), a bright yellow or green dye known as fluoroscene will be put into the water at Maer Rocks in Exmouth. Locals have been reassured that this is harmless to water quality and wildlife but there is a small possibility of it showing on swimmers or animals who come into contact with it.
A South West Water spokesperson said: "On 14 June, we will be carrying out investigative work at Maer Rocks in Exmouth involving dye testing. The work follows a request from the local community for us to confirm the location of the discharge point from our outfall pipe.
"As a result, customers may notice some yellow/green discolouration to the sea near Maer Rocks on Wednesday morning. We would like to reassure local residents and visitors that the dye is harmless and other than a temporary colouring, will not affect bathing water quality or the wider ecology of the beach or Exe estuary. We thank customers for their patience while we carry out this work."
Councillor Olly Davey, Chairman and Mayor of Exmouth Town Council: "We are really pleased that South West Water has agreed to carry out the dye testing. This will go a long way to reassure the local community and help with understanding the issues involved.
"We will also be pushing for the alert system to be clarified and possibly simplified as there is much confusion over when a discharge actually takes place."
