Weymouth’s Central beach has experienced a significant rise in bacteria levels this August, mirroring a similar spike in 2024 that contributed to the beach losing its prestigious Blue Flag status this year.
Last year, storm overflows were blamed for the contamination; however, this summer’s ongoing drought makes stormwater runoff an unlikely cause, according to Tim Day, chair of the Weymouth Harbour Consultative Group. Speaking at Wednesday’s Dorset Council Harbours Advisory Committee meeting, Day emphasized the importance of identifying sources of pollution entering the harbour. “It is vital to monitor what might be flowing out into the sea through the harbour and work out where it comes from,” he stated.
Despite promises from Dorset Council and the Environment Agency to investigate last year’s pollution spike, no findings have yet been publicly released. The latest bacterial measurements detect two types of bacteria, sparking various local theories. Potential sources include cruise ships in Portland Harbour—though regulations require sewage discharge to occur at least three miles offshore—harbour boats emptying onboard toilets, agricultural runoff entering through the harbour, and even bird droppings.
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Ed Carter, Weymouth Harbours Manager, revealed he is exploring the establishment of a dedicated harbour water quality sampling system, although cost assessments are still pending. Carter expressed confidence that boat users are not contributing significantly to the contamination issue. Environment Agency data confirms that bacteria levels remained stable during early summer before the recent surge.
A government report reviewing beach and water quality highlights ongoing improvements to combined sewer and stormwater overflow systems in the area over recent years. It notes the presence of at least ten storm overflows within the Upwey and West Weymouth catchments, mostly draining into the nine-kilometer-long River Wey, which eventually flows into the harbour and sea.
The council acknowledges the urban area’s combined surface and sewer system adjacent to the beach and harbour, pointing out that improperly connected domestic wastewater pipes can degrade stream water quality. “We have checked the local sewerage system for misconnections and are working with Wessex Water to identify and resolve any issues,” the statement reads.
The report further explains that streams and rivers are typically impacted by various catchment area pollutants, including human sewage, animal slurry, and road runoff. The River Wey discharges into the sea at the southern end of Weymouth Central beach, making it a focal point for water quality concerns.