Several beaches in Devon have been hit with sewage alerts following heavy rainfall across the region this week. Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) reported that 17 locations in Devon have experienced sewage discharges into the sea after intense rain.
SAS uses its Safer Seas & Rivers Service (SSRS) app to provide real-time updates on sewage discharges and pollution risks. The recent downpours have prompted additional alerts throughout the UK, with more rain expected later today. A weather warning remains in effect for North Devon until 11:59 p.m., predicting continued heavy rain, possible flooding, and thunderstorms. The storms have also caused river levels in Devon to rise, leading to flood alerts in the county.
Heavy rainfall often leads to sewage discharge due to storm overflows designed to prevent drains from becoming overwhelmed. As a result, sewage can end up in the sea. SAS has issued pollution alerts for 17 beaches in Devon, noting that "storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow at this location within the past 48 hours."
The effected beaches include:
- Seaton
- Beer
- Sidmouth
- Dawlish Town
- Dawlish Coryton Cove
- Teignmouth Holcombe
- Shaldon
- Meadfoot
- St Mary's Bay