WATER quality across beaches in Dorset has now improved following a previous ‘no swim’ warning after sewage was emptied off our shores. 

High winds and heavy rain earlier in the week saw sewage dumped into 17 popular swimming spots across the county, leading to warnings for swimmers, surfers and water sports enthusiasts to avoid the water. 

However, the warnings have been lifted and the water quality is now deemed safe enough for swimmers to return.

Charity, Surfers Against Sewage, have an interactive map tracking real-time CSOs (combined sewage overflows) and PRFs (pollution risk forecasts) which previously put out the ‘do not swim’ warning. 

The map is part of the charity's Safer Seas and Rivers Service, which is also available via a mobile app.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

Screengrab of Surfers Against Sewage Map.

Warnings are triggered when sewerage has entered the water within the last 48 hours.

Data is not available for all of Dorset's beaches because not all areas report water quality data outside peak tourist season. 

For all beaches where data is currently being collected in Dorset, the water quality is now deemed to be at a safe level for swimmers to return. 

The following locations across Dorset had a ‘do not swim’ warning on Friday, October 22, which has now been lifted: 

EAST DORSET:

  • Poole Harbour Rockley Sands
  • Poole Park Lake
  • Poole Shore Road Beach, Poole
  • Branksome Chine
  • Bournemouth Pier
  • Hengistbury West, Bournemouth
  • Christchurch Avon Beach
  • Friars Cliff, Christchurch
  • Swanage Central
  • Swanage Ulwell Stream

READ MORE: Do not swim! Sewage emptied into water at 17 Dorset beaches

WEYMOUTH AND PORTLAND: 

  • Chesil Cove at Chiswell

WEST DORSET:

  • West Bay (East)
  • West Bay (West) - Freshwater
  • Seatown
  • Seatown Stream
  • Charmouth West
  • Charmouth West Stream