Could Weymouth beach lose its coveted Blue Flag status?
Water quality has fallen there according to the Environment Agency
Environment Agency experts are to look at the reasons behind the fall in water quality at Weymouth up to September last year – which is likely to result in the loss of Blue Flag status.
The water quality measured at the main beach has fallen from three to two star, with three stars needed to be considered for the Keep Britain Tidy Blue Flag.
Dorset Council leader Nick Ireland believes the reason could be an, acknowledged, 16 overflow discharges during 2024 by Wessex Water at Chafey’s Lake which runs into the River Wey and then into to the sea via the town harbour.
Wessex Water say there is no proven link, although agrees that discharges at Chafey’s Lane did increase from 12 to 16 over the year.
South West Environment Agency’s Jim Flory said his team will work with local councils to find out what cause the dip in ratings and will further investigate Wessex Water discharges in the area.
Said Mr Flory: “Weymouth has a strong history of being classed as ‘Excellent’ for its bathing water quality and we are confident it will bounce back to the highest rating.
“The Environment Agency will work hard with the local authority to find out what caused this dip. It could simply be a result of the wet weather last summer.
“We will further investigate water company discharges in the area to see if anything has changed and that they remain in line with permitted levels. We will also be on the lookout for all possible sources of pollution.”
Weymouth has not always held the Blue Flag with several years where the resort has not applied for the award.
Only two beaches have held a Blue Flag since the award started almost 40 years ago with a dozen beaches in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council area awarded in 2024, with a similar number for Dorset’s other coastal neighbour, Devon.
Only Swanage and Weymouth in the Dorset Council area held the Blue Flag in 2024.