Bathing Water Quality Guide

What role does the Council have with Beaches?

South Hams District Council is the 'controller' of some of the designated bathing water beaches. We must provide information about the bathing water, including warning where there is a risk to health due to pollution. If possible, we must take action to deal with pollution if this occurs

Our Environmental Health Section must protect public health as much as possible.

The following is a summary of our role in bathing water quality:

  • Arrange emergency signage at all designated bathing waters during pollution incidents. This could be contamination affecting bathing water quality. It may a potential risk to bathers' health from bacteria associated with sewage, waste, and certain seaweeds/algae.
  • Liaise with South West Water, the Environment Agency, and beach owners regarding poor water quality. During pollution incidents, agree on management of the pollution and provide any necessary help.
  • Advise the owners of private beaches of their obligations under the Bathing Water Regulations.
  • Make sure that relevant information on the designated bathing waters is available for the public online and at the beaches.
  • Arrange removal of waste from Council controlled designated bathing water beaches as necessary.
  • Enforcement of other legislation to deal with pollution at private beaches that are not designated.