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Beach Mystery Solved: Algae, Not Sewage, Browns UK Waters
27 May
Summary
- Discoloration at Porthdinllaen beach was caused by non-toxic algae.
- Natural Resources Wales confirmed the brown water was harmless algae.
- Swimmers initially feared a sewage leak over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Water at Porthdinllaen beach, a popular spot in Gwynedd, UK, turned a concerning murky brown over the recent Bank Holiday weekend. Initial worries from swimmers suggested a potential sewage leak, prompting an investigation by Natural Resources Wales (NRW).
NRW officers confirmed that the discolouration was not due to pollution but was caused by a bloom of Phaeocystis, a common, non-toxic algae. This type of algae can create a harmless brown, frothy scum on the water's surface.
The algae bloom is thought to be influenced by recent sunny weather and warmer temperatures experienced across the UK. Temperatures in the UK exceeded 34C during this period.
While this beach is now clear of pollution concerns, thunderstorms are forecast for other parts of the UK, with potential for localized flooding and storms.
