Sewage pollution warnings on 14 Cornish beaches today

Water quality warnings have been issued for swimmers visiting more than a dozen beaches in Cornwall. It comes after wastewater was dumped into the sea on 14 beaches in the county.

That’s according to an interactive map shared by the Safer Seas & Rivers Service, which looks at water quality at more than 400 locations around the UK’s rivers and coasts, highlights locations across the UK that have pollution warnings in place today (July 17).

Sewage piles are often blamed on heavy rains, as overflows – which combine surface runoff with domestic sewage – are used to prevent drains from being covered. However, the side effect is sewage reaching the sea.

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Cornwall was hit with a 16-hour severe weather warning from the Met Office on Monday. Forecasters warned of torrential rain until 11.59pm and a chance of localized flooding and extremely difficult driving conditions.

More than 48 hours later, there are still sewer alerts despite light rain. According to the Safer Seas & Rivers Service map, the following beaches in Cornwall have sewage pollution warnings from today:

Speaking about storm surges in the region, a spokesperson for South West Water said: “We are serious about tackling storm surges and we know there is more to do. Change on this scale takes time, ambition and increased investment – that’s why we’re investing £2.8 billion in our region. We care deeply about our region’s 860 miles of coastline and 100% bathing water quality, which we have successfully maintained for three consecutive years.

“We were one of the first water companies to monitor 100% of our stormwater discharges, which means we know exactly what’s happening, when and where, allowing us to target investment and make changes where it matters most . We will be the first water company to meet the Government’s target of fewer than 10 discharges per overflow per year – a decade ahead of target.”

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