Littleham Brook pollution update - 18 September
We’re making progress in our investigation into the pollution affecting Littleham Brook in Exmouth.
Our officers acted quickly to collect samples, these are currently undergoing detailed analysis at our laboratory and the results are expected early next week.
We have been able to identify the main pollutant and believes the samples taken are likely to show a high level of copper in the water, which will confirmed by laboratory analysis.
This weekend, we plan to install low sandbag weirs to help contain pollution that has settled on the riverbed, allowing it to be safely removed. We’ve also brought in specialist contractors to help plan the wider clean-up.
There are positive signs - our latest checks show conditions in the brook are continuing to get better. Water quality at the bottom of the catchment just before the stream runs onto the beach is visually good, water quality readings are improving with a lower ammonium than two days ago, and oxygen levels and the pH were normal for the river.
However, we need the full laboratory results before we can be confident there is no further risk to the public. Our advice against bathing at Exmouth will therefore remain in place over the weekend. We understand this will be disappointing for residents and visitors, but it’s important that we have the full picture before changing our advice.
We’ll continue to closely monitor water quality throughout the weekend and provide further updates.
For now, please continue to avoid bathing at Exmouth and avoid contact with Littleham Brook.
