AN ALERT has been issued as raw sewage has been emptied into rivers and the sea around the Dorset coast - including Weymouth, Bournemouth and west Dorset.
This weekends' heavy rain and flooding has caused emergency sewer overflows to be used, resulting in sewage being pumped into the water at 12 locations popular with swimmers and water sports hobbyists.
The data is provided by the Environment Agency and published by charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS.)
SAS has created an interactive map tracking real-time CSOs (combined sewage overflows) and PRFs (pollution risk forecasts).
The map is part of the charity's Safer Seas and Rivers Service, which is also available via a mobile app.
Data is not available for all of Dorset's beaches, however, because not all areas report water quality data outside peak tourist season. So bathers may wish to avoid those locations too.
Dorset swimming locations that do not report water quality data include Lyme Regis Front Beach, where there is a sewer overflow immediately on the beach, just east of the breakwater and then another to the west, on the other side of the harbour, and Lulworth Cove, where there are sewer overflows to the west of Lulworth Cove from West Lulworth Beach and West Lulworth Hanbury Farm pumping stations.
You can also view an interactive online map by The Rivers Trust showing all Dorset locations where raw sewage is emptied into rivers by clicking here
These locations have all seen sewage emptied into the water over the last 48 hours:
Weymouth Beach
Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
An alert has been issued for the Greenhill end of Weymouth Beach, at Lodmoor.
Located towards the centre of Weymouth Bay, Lodmoor is a 1km stretch of shingle backed by a promenade and Lodmoor Nature Reserve. Two sewer overflows discharge across the centre of this beach.
West Dorset
West Bay (East)
Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
Charmouth West
Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
Located in Lyme Bay in Dorset, Charmouth West is a shingle and sand resort beach just under 700m wide and backed by cliffs. There are no sewer overflows here, but the River Char meets the sea just to the east of the beach and any discharges into this may affect bathing water quality.
Charmouth West Stream
Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
A small stream associated with Charmouth West bathing water, set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
During and after heavy periods of rainfall, runoff from surrounding agricultural areas will greatly increase and bathing water quality may be reduced.
West Bay (West) - Freshwater
Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
Mixed shingle and sand beach backed by small cliffs to the west. The beach is located beneath a holiday park to the north and the River Bride flows across the beach in the East. Wessex Water provide data on their assets impacting this beach from the surrounding area.
Seatown Stream
Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
A small stream running along this small, fossil rich valley. Surface water and CSO discharges may affect water quality especially after heavy rainfall.
East Dorset
Poole Harbour Rockley Sands
Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
Found well within Poole Harbour, Rockley Sands is a small sand and mud beach with a small harbour and slipway set below a train track and beside a large holiday park. It is very popular for watersports although swimming is limited. There are no sewer overflows discharging directly onto the beach, however, as the beach is located within Poole Harbour, the bathing water may be affected by other overflows from the surrounding area.
Poole Shore Road Beach, Poole
Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
Located on a long sandy spit jutting out into Poole Harbour, Shore Road Beach is a popular 1km stretch of sand backed by a promenade. Views across Poole Harbour to Brownsea Island and out to sea make it an ideal location for watching the sun set. A sewer overflow discharges through a sea outfall pipe directly in front of the beach.
Bournemouth Pier
Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
Forming part of the 15km stretch of Poole Bay, Bournemouth Pier is a sandy beach resort, about 1km wide, popular with a range of visitors located around Bournemouth Pier. A sewer overflow discharges 550m out to sea via a long sea outfall. The surrounding urban catchment may also affect bathing water quality.
Hengistbury West, Bournemouth
Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
Located in Poole Bay, Hengistbury West is a shingle and pebble beach forming part of the relatively undeveloped Site of Special Scientific Interest of Hengistbury Head that encircles Christchurch Harbour and separates it from Poole Bay. Rock groynes can be found at intervals along the beach. A sewer overflow discharges through a sea outfall directly into the sea straight in front of the main access point.
Christchurch Avon Beach
Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
A popular family resort beach located in Christchurch Bay is around 700m wide and is a gently sloping sandy beach. There are no sewer overflows that discharge directly onto the beach here but there are a number in the catchment area that discharge into the Avon and Stour Rivers that may affect bathing water quality particularly after heavy rainfall.
Friars Cliff, Christchurch
Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
Situated in Christchurch Bay on the Dorset coast, Friars Cliff is a sandy resort beach, ideal for families. It is backed by a promenade that is lined with beach huts available to hire. There are a number of sewer overflows that discharge into the Stour and Avon rivers to the south of this beach that may affect bathing water quality.
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