02 May 2024 , 16:31
477
0
A new map has given a stomach-churning picture of British beaches which have been hit by "sewage pollution alerts".
Many of the alerts have been been issued because of heavy rain and flooding, which led to sewage spilling into rivers and waterways. Treated sewage is often discharged into waterways from the sewage system and weather can cause untreated waste and storm water to overflow into waterways.
The nation has had many downpours during the early spring month, leading to beaches up and down the UK to be included in sewage warning alerts released by the charity Surfers Against Sewage. The marine conservation group has created an interactive map of beaches and some are included with warning signs.
This map tracks sewage discharge and pollution risks around the UKIt alerts potential swimmers to when sewage overflow mechanisms have been used to stop them being overwhelmed. It leads to surface run-off and household sewage being sent to our seas and waterways. This can make swimming hazardous as people head to beaches as the weather warms.
A new Met Office weather map yesterday showed the exact areas which will see soaring 18C highs as other places suffer torrential downpours. Thunderstorms are poised to bring a sudden halt to the short sunny spell in southern parts of England and Wales prompting the Met Office to issue two yellow weather warnings. Heavy rain is forecast as the storms are expected to hit the south west and Wales for Thursday with south east England being affected from. The threat of thunderstorms comes as many parts have been enjoying a short period of sunny weather.
Queen honoured in London New Year's fireworks before turning into King Charles
Among the large number of areas affected by pollution warnings are Hythe Bay in Kent where bathing not advised due to poor water classification. Other warnings which have been given on the South coast of England in Littlestone. The warning states: "Bathing not advised due to Poor annual classification. Littlestone-on-Sea is a resort beach in the middle of a 20 kilometre (km) stretch of beach in Hythe Bay, Kent. Hythe Bay stretches from Folkestone down to the headland of Dungeness."
Warnings have been issued about sewage at Harlyn Bay, Cornwall (CORNWALL LIVE/BPM MEDIA)The Mirror reported yesterday on beaches in Wales which were affected byb the same issue. The locations included The beaches and seafront locations affected include popular beaches at locations such as Colwyn Bay, Llyn Padarn, Criccieth, New Quay, Llangrannog, Cilborth, Newport, Nolton Haven, Little Haven. Other locations which are given alerts include Broadhaven, Dale, West Angle, Barafundle, Manorbier, Tenby, Saundersfoot, Pembrey, Swansea and Ogmore.
Surfers Against Sewage say on its site: "Appallingly, the UK’s water users are as likely to become ill from seawater as they were in the 1990s, with conditions ranging from sore throats and upset stomachs to serious illnesses like gastroenteritis, hepatitis and E. coli. According to the European Centre for Environment and Human Health, people who swim or bodyboard in UK waters regularly are three times more likely to have antibiotic resistant E. coli in their guts."