Visitors enjoying the sun on North Ayrshire’s coastline have been urged to stay out of the water at two of the Three Towns after the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) reiterated temporary guidance advising against bathing and paddling.
Ongoing repairs after pipeline failure
The caution follows a series of pollution incidents first reported on 29 June and then again on 3 July. Scottish Water told SEPA that a structural failure on a sewage pipeline near Saltcoats Sewage Pumping Station required repair work. To allow those repairs, an emergency screened discharge to the sea at Stevenston has been used and remains in operation while engineers work.
SEPA says its local officers have carried out visual inspections of the sands at Ardrossan and Saltcoats and that additional water samples have been taken. Further sampling is planned over the coming days as agencies monitor the situation.
“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,”
The agency added that it is working closely with Scottish Water, North Ayrshire Council and NHS Ayrshire and Arran and will maintain joint monitoring of the affected area.
Advice for beachgoers
North Ayrshire Council has reminded residents and visitors that while the beaches remain attractive during spells of warm weather, people should resist the temptation to cool off in the sea where guidance is in place.
The council said it will keep the public updated through its social media channels in partnership with SEPA and encouraged everyone to enjoy the beaches safely while bearing the advice in mind.
- Where: Ardrossan and Saltcoats beaches (caution also urged at Stevenston)
- Why: Structural failure of sewage pipeline near Saltcoats Sewage Pumping Station
- Action taken: Emergency screened discharge to sea at Stevenston to facilitate repairs; ongoing monitoring and additional sampling
Locals flocking to beauty spots across the Three Towns amid the recent heat have been reminded that the temporary advice is precautionary and will remain until SEPA is satisfied there is no remaining health risk.
| Incident timeline |
|---|
| 29 June — initial caution after pollution incident |
| Early July — water briefly deemed safe |
| 3 July — further incident, Scottish Water reports pipeline failure |
| Mid July — emergency discharge ongoing; SEPA continuing sampling and monitoring |
Anyone concerned about their health following contact with the sea is advised to seek guidance from NHS Ayrshire and Arran. Updates will be published by SEPA and North Ayrshire Council as new information becomes available.
