Beachgoers warned sea could turn green or yellow during water testing
The sea is about to turn yellow or green at a popular seaside town, but beachgoers have been told it’s ‘harmless’.
South West Water (SWW) confirmed the ‘temporary colouring’ will not impact the quality of water in Exmouth, Devon.
A dye is being used to identify a ‘discharge point’ following a request from locals.
There were concerns raw sewage had appeared on the beach recently but it turned out to be seaweed.
An SWW spokesperson told Sky News: ‘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.’
Exmouth mayor Olly Davey told Devon Live there is ‘much confusion over when a discharge actually takes place’, but added: ‘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.’
The issue of water quality at UK beaches and rivers has become a hot topic in recent months.
Water companies are facing legally binding targets to cut sewage discharge into waterways – but not until 2050.
Environment secretary Therese Coffey claimed her legislation would reduce storm overflows and put voluntary targets on a ‘new legal footing’.
The aim is to eliminate sewage dumping in 27 years’ time, cut discharges near ‘high priority’ areas by 75% by 2035, and 100% by 2045.
Elsewhere, raw sewage was released into the Irish Sea during a storm on Monday which prompted Blackpool Council to advise against swimming across a number of beaches.
‘Please be advised to not swim or bathe in the water at Blackpool Central, Bispham, North and South beaches until further notice,’ the council said.
‘Wyre Council and Fylde Council are also advising against swimming at Fleetwood and Cleveleys beach, St Anne’s and St Anne’s North beaches until further notice.’
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