Pollution Warning for UK Beaches

The recent storms and floods are having other repercussions on the UK’s beaches.

Britain's best blue flag bathing beaches have been contaminated with raw untreated sewerage and with further flooding and high tides forecast over the next few days there could be further contamination.

The Marine Conservation Society publisher of the annual Good Beach Guide is calling for permanent signs along the shoreline warning swimmers about the threat of pollution after heavy rain.

The MCS warns that after flooding, bathers could be confronted with "faecal pollution" even on beaches that normally have excellent water quality.

The reason, in order to avoid sewage contaminating populated areas after storms sewage is diverted into rivers ending up in coastal estuaries.

The temporary peaks in bacteria then around seaside resorts can prove to be a severe health hazard, with monitoring after large storms confirming the rise in levels of pollution.

The mainly Victorian sewerage system which makes up the majority of the UK’s network cannot effectively cope with the unfamiliar weather patterns brought about by climate change.

With the pending August Bank Holiday coming up it is worth noting that care should be exercised while bathing or enjoying the benefits of the sandy beaches if the storms continue. Additional material: guardian newspapers