Saunton Sands
Three and a half miles of golden sand. Backed by one of the most unique and impressive dune systems in the country.
Saunton Sands is bound to the south by the combined estuaries of the rivers Taw and Torridge.
There are no overflows impacting this beach
There are no overflows currently identified by either ourselves or the Environment Agency that have the potential to impact the bathing water. Any bacteria in the bathing water could be from other sources, for example agricultural rainwater runoff, dog or bird faeces, private sewerage or property foul waste pipes being misconnected and draining to watercourses. Bacteria levels may be higher after rainfall.
Water quality sample results
The graphs below show the significant reduction in harmful bacteria in the Environment Agency’s (EA) water samples since the 1990s. E. coli and Intestinal Enterococci exist in all open water - they are found in human and animal poo, and get into the water via sewage spills, road drainage, agricultural livestock, or wildlife and birds. The EA uses the levels of these bacteria to decide whether to award this beach bathing water status.
Current investment
To reduce storm overflow spills in the Taw–Torridge estuary a new pumping station is being built in Buckleigh which will connect to a new rising main, this will help to carry more flows to Cornborough sewage treatment works. Further work includes construction of a new screening chamber at Causeway Close and installation of a new storm storage tank at Velator.
Find out more about the ongoing works to improve the Taw Torridge estuary.
The beach profiles were created in line with information provided by our partners, Environment Agency, RNLI, Keep Britain Tidy, MCS - Beach Guide and British Beaches.