Scots are being warned to avoid swimming at two popular beaches in Dundee and North Ayrshire as pollution investigations continue. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued health warnings for Monifieth Beach near Dundee and Ardrossan/Saltcoats South Beach in Ayrshire, advising people not to enter the water.
E. coli Contamination at Monifieth Beach
At Monifieth Beach, high levels of E. coli bacteria were detected in the water, prompting Angus Council to advise against swimming, paddling, or allowing pets into the sea until further notice. SEPA notified the council of the contamination, and the council posted a statement on social media: "SEPA has notified us of high levels of E. coli bacterial contamination in the water at Monifieth Beach and advises, as a precautionary measure while investigations continue, against people and pets bathing and paddling in the water near to Monifieth Beach until further notice."
A SEPA spokesperson said: "SEPA are aware of a high bacterial result at Monifieth bathing water. Our officers have attended and are currently investigating the cause of this high result and if required we will explore any mitigation measures. Further water samples will be taken from the bathing water to determine if there is any ongoing impact. SEPA's electronic sign at Monifieth has been changed to advise against bathing and paddling." The spokesperson added that Angus Council is placing signs at the beach, and the advice will remain until SEPA is satisfied water quality is no longer impacted.
Sewage Pipe Burst at Ardrossan/Saltcoats South Beach
A separate warning remains in force at Ardrossan and Saltcoats South Beach following a pollution incident linked to a burst sewage pipe on June 29. More than two weeks later, SEPA still advises against bathing and paddling. The latest update on July 17 confirmed no recommendation to enter the water.
The Ardrossan Community Development Trust expressed frustration in a Facebook post: "Finally, after a fortnight of silence and several calls for updated information, SEPA have confirmed it is still not recommended to bathe in the Ardrossan/Saltcoats South Beach waters at this current time. There is currently no timescale on the repair, or any information about what is being done to resolve the situation. We would urge the public to keep up the pressure on SEPA/North Ayrshire Council for information and Scottish Water for the repair."
A SEPA spokesperson said: "Local officers have completed visual checks of Ardrossan/Saltcoats beach, additional water sampling has been undertaken with further water samples to be taken over the coming days. SEPA's bathing water signage will continue to reflect the temporary guidance against paddling or bathing until SEPA is satisfied there is no risk from this incident. SEPA officers will continue to monitor the situation."
Council Urges Caution Despite Warm Weather
North Ayrshire Council is urging people to stay out of the water despite the hot weather. A spokesperson said: "We appreciate that North Ayrshire's beaches are a big attraction during spells of nice weather, and temperatures have been high recently. However, we would encourage residents and visitors who are enjoying the beaches at Ardrossan and Saltcoats to resist the temptation to cool off in the water while SEPA's guidance is in place for people not to enter the water." The council added that updates will be provided via social media channels and noted that nearby Stevenston Beach is not a designated bathing water and is not monitored in the same way, so visitors should exercise caution there.
SEPA says precautionary advice at both locations will remain in place until testing confirms the water is safe for bathing.
