Burst sewage pipe prompts 'no bathing or paddling' warning at Saltcoats beach

Visitors are being warned against bathing or paddling in the sea in North Ayrshire due to a pollution incident.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said a burst water pipe near Saltcoats sewage pumping station was affecting the bathing water in the area, including nearby Ardrossan.

An investigation was launched with Scottish Water visiting the site on Monday to carry out repairs to the sewer network.

An emergency, temporary discharge of screened sewage to the sea at Stevenston was needed, the environmental regulator said.

Officers from SEPA have been conducting water quality testing and beach inspections.

A spokesperson for SEPA said: ”SEPA has been informed by Scottish Water of an ongoing pollution incident potentially affecting Saltcoats bathing water caused by a fault in a nearby rising main pipeline near Saltcoats Sewage Pumping Station.

“Scottish Water has been on site at this location from Monday, June 29, carrying out repairs to the sewer network and needs to make an emergency, temporary discharge of screened sewage to the sea at Stevenston.

“SEPA officers will carry out water quality testing at the site, inspections of the beaches and continue to be in contact with Scottish Water and North Ayrshire Council to monitor the situation closely.

“Signage at Saltcoats was updated to advise against paddling or bathing and will continue to reflect this guidance until we are satisfied there is no risk.”

A Scottish Water Spokesperson said: “We are currently upgrading the rising sewer main between our pumping station in Saltcoats and the treatment works in Stevenston.

“This £5.5m investment will dramatically reduce the risk of a burst under the local caravan park and protect the environment, bathing water, shellfish waters and customers.

“A burst has occurred on a section of the pipe between Trelawney Terrace and Stevenston Point, which was already scheduled to be upgraded in the coming months.

“Repairs are now underway on this section, and we continue to carry out daily beach inspections, while also liaising closely with SEPA.

“We would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding while we complete these essential repairs as quickly and safely as possible.”