Exmouth 'red-flagged' again

No swimming as ammonia affects water

People are being advised not to go in the sea off Exmouth because of pollution.

The Environment Agency says high levels of ammonia have been detected in the water of a local brook which flows into Lyme Bay.

South West Water say no overflows have come from their systems.

The incident arose on Friday, with East Devon District Council officers lowering Exmouth's blue flag, which signifies excellent bathing waters. 

Lifeguards have installed 'no swimming' signs.

People contribution to Exmouth Facebook sites have been simultaneously outraged and unsurprised. Most are blaming South West Water, although this may not be the case this time.

Last August, Exmouth beach was red-flagged for days on end as overflows from South West Water infrastructure pumped waste water, including sewage, into the sea. 

Earlier this year, the company announced the completion of a multi-million pound investment in improvements in Exmouth.

East Devon District Council said: "Following elevated ammonia levels a PIRT (Pollution Incident Reporting Tool) has been issued as a precaution by the Environment Agency. Officers from the council have lowered the Blue Flag and the lifeguards will be flying the red flag on Exmouth beach to advise against swimming.

No swimming signs will also be displayed. We hope we can remove these signs and the red flags as soon as possible."