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Sewage Incident Leads to Exmouth Beach Closure
15 Aug
Summary
- Elevated ammonia levels detected in brook connected to Exmouth beach
- Swimmers told to exit water, no swimming signs displayed
- Environment Agency investigating, South West Water supporting
A sewage incident has led to the closure of Exmouth beach in Devon on August 15, 2025. The Environment Agency has detected elevated readings of ammonia in a brook that connects to the bathing water at the beach, prompting the agency to issue a pollution incident reporting tool (PIRT) as a precautionary measure.
South West Water has confirmed that there have been no storm overflow spills in the area, but the Environment Agency is still investigating the source of the pollution. Beachgoers, such as Jamie Steadman, have been instructed by lifeguards and the local council to exit the water and stay out of the contaminated waters.
The council has lowered the blue flag and lifeguards are flying the red flag to advise against swimming. "No swimming" signs have also been displayed across the entire Exmouth beach. The authorities are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible, with South West Water supporting the Environment Agency's investigation into the matter.
