Cawsand water quality

RED

designated bathing water · · South West Water

Cawsand is a designated bathing water in Cornwall, currently rated RED for swimming — Storm overflow discharging within 5 km right now. Incoming/high tide may carry discharge closer to shore. Its latest Environment Agency classification is excellent (2025), and 331 storm-overflow spills were recorded nearby in 2025. Below: live risk, recent spills, official samples, rainfall, tides and nearby reports.

Safe to swim right now?
Avoid — pollution risk
Storm overflow discharging within 5 km right now. Incoming/high tide may carry discharge closer to shore.
Do not rely solely on this website for health decisions. Check official alerts and use your own judgement. Seek medical advice if you are unwell.

Current status

Risk: RED Storm overflow discharging within 5 km right now. Incoming/high tide may carry discharge closer to shore.

  • Active overflows nearby: 8
  • Recent overflows (48h): 38
  • Rainfall (48h): 33.6 mm

Official EA classification

excellent (2025)

Latest official sample

2026-09-17 — E.coli 10, enterococci 10 cfu/100ml

Latest independent sample

None published

Pollution & environment data

33.6 mm
Rainfall 48h
69.1 mm
Rainfall 7d
17
Outfalls within 5 km
331
Spills (2025, official)
113
Spills 2026 so far (live)
63
Spills last 30d
rising 1.30m
Tide now

Recent storm overflows nearby (30 days)

In the news nearby

No recent local news matched.

Storm-overflow spills near here, by year (EDM)

Recent spills near here (precise, SWW)

Full spill history near Cawsand

Download CSV

Every storm-overflow discharge Glanmor has recorded within 5 km of Cawsand, newest first.

114 discharge events
StartEndOutfallDistance
2026-10-24 13:45ongoingRIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.2 km
2026-10-24 13:45ongoingST JOHN'S LAKE (ESTUARINE)~4.3 km
2026-10-24 13:452026-10-24 14:15PLYMOUTH SOUND (ESTUARINE)~4.4 km
2026-10-24 13:152026-10-24 14:15CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-10-24 13:152026-10-24 13:30PLYMOUTH SOUND (ESTUARINE)~4.4 km
2026-10-24 13:15ongoingRIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.8 km
2026-10-24 12:45ongoingRIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.2 km
2026-10-24 12:30ongoingPLYMOUTH SOUND (ESTUARINE)~4.4 km
2026-10-24 12:15ongoingPLYMOUTH SOUND (E)~4.6 km
2026-10-24 12:152026-10-24 12:45RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.8 km
2026-10-24 12:132026-10-24 13:15PLYMOUTH SOUND (ESTUARINE)~4.4 km
2026-10-24 12:00ongoingMILLBROOK LAKE~2.1 km
2026-10-24 11:472026-10-24 12:30RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.8 km
2026-10-24 11:402026-10-24 12:45CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-10-24 11:37ongoingMILLBROOK LAKE~2.1 km
2026-10-24 10:152026-10-24 10:30CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-10-24 09:452026-10-24 10:30PLYMOUTH SOUND (ESTUARINE)~4.4 km
2026-10-24 09:302026-10-24 09:45RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.2 km
2026-10-24 09:152026-10-24 09:30CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-10-24 09:102026-10-24 09:31RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.2 km
2026-10-24 06:552026-10-24 07:00CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-10-23 06:152026-10-23 06:30CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-10-23 05:502026-10-23 06:02CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-10-23 02:122026-10-23 02:13MILLBROOK LAKE~2.1 km
2026-10-23 01:272026-10-23 01:28CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-10-22 23:102026-10-22 23:19CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-10-22 22:152026-10-23 06:30RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.2 km
2026-10-22 22:002026-10-23 11:15ST JOHN'S LAKE (ESTUARINE)~4.3 km
2026-10-22 21:452026-10-23 01:30MILLBROOK LAKE~2.1 km
2026-10-22 21:352026-10-23 06:15RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.2 km
2026-10-22 21:242026-10-23 01:15MILLBROOK LAKE~2.1 km
2026-10-22 21:152026-10-22 22:45PLYMOUTH SOUND (E)~4.6 km
2026-10-22 21:072026-10-23 11:00ST JOHN'S LAKE (ESTUARINE)~4.3 km
2026-10-22 21:012026-10-22 21:30CAWSAND BAY ESTAURINE VIA SWS~0.0 km
2026-10-22 20:572026-10-22 22:09PLYMOUTH SOUND (E)~4.6 km
2026-10-22 20:492026-10-22 20:56PLYMOUTH SOUND (ESTUARINE)~4.4 km
2026-10-22 20:462026-10-22 22:00PLYMOUTH SOUND (ESTUARINE)~4.4 km
2026-10-22 20:462026-10-22 21:45RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.2 km
2026-10-22 20:452026-10-22 21:17CAWSAND BAY ESTAURINE VIA SWS~0.0 km
2026-10-22 20:292026-10-22 21:45PLYMOUTH SOUND (ESTUARINE)~4.4 km
2026-10-22 20:222026-10-22 21:00RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.8 km
2026-10-22 20:182026-10-22 21:30RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.2 km
2026-10-22 20:162026-10-22 21:30CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-10-22 20:152026-10-22 21:15RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.8 km
2026-10-22 19:582026-10-22 21:15CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-10-22 18:462026-10-22 19:01CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-10-21 23:432026-10-21 23:46CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-10-20 23:152026-10-20 23:30CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-10-20 22:562026-10-20 22:59CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-10-15 23:002026-10-15 23:15CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-10-15 22:402026-10-15 22:46CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-10-01 00:302026-10-01 00:45CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-10-01 00:152026-10-01 00:25CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-09-30 02:452026-09-30 03:15CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-09-30 02:362026-09-30 02:49CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-09-29 22:452026-09-29 23:15PLYMOUTH SOUND (ESTUARINE)~4.4 km
2026-09-29 22:312026-09-29 22:37RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.2 km
2026-09-29 22:272026-09-29 23:03PLYMOUTH SOUND (ESTUARINE)~4.4 km
2026-09-29 22:252026-09-29 22:28RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.8 km
2026-09-29 22:152026-09-30 00:15PLYMOUTH SOUND (E)~4.6 km
2026-09-29 21:492026-09-29 23:48PLYMOUTH SOUND (E)~4.6 km
2026-09-29 21:452026-09-29 23:00CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-09-29 21:352026-09-29 22:27CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-09-08 13:142026-09-08 13:15MILLBROOK LAKE~2.1 km
2026-09-08 05:182026-09-08 12:27ST JOHN'S LAKE (ESTUARINE)~4.3 km
2026-09-08 04:172026-09-08 05:08CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-09-08 00:152026-09-08 00:45CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-09-04 06:182026-09-04 06:23CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-08-30 20:302026-08-30 23:45PLYMOUTH SOUND (E)~4.6 km
2026-08-30 20:082026-08-30 23:15PLYMOUTH SOUND (E)~4.6 km
2026-08-29 22:002026-08-29 23:00PLYMOUTH SOUND (E)~4.6 km
2026-08-29 21:382026-08-29 21:45PLYMOUTH SOUND (E)~4.6 km
2026-08-29 11:322026-08-29 11:34MILLBROOK LAKE~2.1 km
2026-08-29 10:152026-08-29 11:45ST JOHN'S LAKE (ESTUARINE)~4.3 km
2026-08-29 10:152026-08-29 11:45MILLBROOK LAKE~2.1 km
2026-08-29 09:502026-08-29 11:35ST JOHN'S LAKE (ESTUARINE)~4.3 km
2026-08-29 09:172026-08-29 09:20CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-08-29 07:002026-08-29 08:15MILLBROOK LAKE~2.1 km
2026-08-29 06:002026-08-29 08:00ST JOHN'S LAKE (ESTUARINE)~4.3 km
2026-08-29 05:302026-08-29 11:30PLYMOUTH SOUND (E)~4.6 km
2026-08-29 04:452026-08-29 07:15PLYMOUTH SOUND (ESTUARINE)~4.4 km
2026-08-29 04:452026-08-29 05:30RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.2 km
2026-08-29 04:452026-08-29 05:15RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.8 km
2026-08-29 04:302026-08-29 05:30CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-08-29 04:302026-08-29 04:45CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-08-29 04:282026-08-29 04:31PLYMOUTH SOUND (ESTUARINE)~4.4 km
2026-08-29 04:272026-08-29 06:55PLYMOUTH SOUND (ESTUARINE)~4.4 km
2026-08-29 04:222026-08-29 05:03RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.2 km
2026-08-29 04:212026-08-29 04:43RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.8 km
2026-08-29 04:172026-08-29 04:53CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-08-25 06:332026-08-25 06:40CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-07-16 21:152026-07-16 21:45RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.2 km
2026-07-16 20:282026-07-16 21:12RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.2 km
2026-07-15 09:302026-07-15 10:45ST JOHN'S LAKE (ESTUARINE)~4.3 km
2026-07-15 09:012026-07-15 10:00ST JOHN'S LAKE (ESTUARINE)~4.3 km
2026-07-07 12:152026-07-07 16:30RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.8 km
2026-07-07 11:522026-07-07 16:15RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.8 km
2026-06-26 00:122026-06-26 00:13CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-06-06 10:242026-06-06 12:43ST JOHN'S LAKE (ESTUARINE)~4.3 km
2026-06-06 03:232026-06-06 19:37RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.2 km
2026-06-03 09:462026-06-03 10:31RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.7 km
2026-06-02 04:142026-06-02 04:25RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.2 km
2026-05-18 21:222026-05-18 23:13PLYMOUTH SOUND (E)~4.6 km
2026-05-12 09:212026-05-12 09:23RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.8 km
2026-05-12 09:212026-05-12 09:22RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.8 km
2026-05-02 19:362026-05-02 19:38MILLBROOK LAKE~2.1 km
2026-05-02 14:162026-05-02 15:00CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.3 km
2026-05-02 13:472026-05-02 15:35PLYMOUTH SOUND (ESTUARINE)~4.4 km
2026-02-26 23:202026-02-27 03:04CAWSAND BAY ESTAURINE VIA SWS~0.0 km
2026-02-18 11:432026-02-18 11:57RIVER TAMAR (ESTUARINE)~4.2 km
2026-02-13 18:062026-02-13 18:13MILLBROOK VIA SWS~2.2 km
2026-01-29 22:212026-01-29 22:28PLYMOUTH SOUND (ESTUARINE)~4.4 km
2026-01-23 20:402026-01-23 21:34CAWSAND BAY (C)~0.4 km
2025-08-28 23:192025-08-28 23:49HAMOAZE (ESTUARINE)~5.0 km
105 precise spill records (duration & volume)
WhenDetailDistance
2026-10-24 13:35spill, 18 min~4.4 km
2026-10-24 13:27spill, 32 min~4.2 km
2026-10-24 13:18spill, 42 min~4.3 km
2026-10-24 13:07spill, 0 min~4.4 km
2026-10-24 13:02spill, 58 min~4.4 km
2026-10-24 12:54spill, 65 min~4.8 km
2026-10-24 12:52spill, 74 min~0.3 km
2026-10-24 12:13spill, 40 min~4.4 km
2026-10-24 12:12spill, 92 min~4.2 km
2026-10-24 11:54spill, 126 min~4.6 km
2026-10-24 11:47spill, 42 min~4.8 km
2026-10-24 11:40spill, 47 min~0.3 km
2026-10-24 11:37spill, 142 min~2.1 km
2026-10-24 11:26spill, 5 min~0.3 km
2026-10-24 10:44spill, 3 min~4.8 km
2026-10-24 10:06spill, 8 min~0.3 km
2026-10-24 09:21spill, 48 min~4.4 km
2026-10-24 09:20spill, 3 min~0.3 km
2026-10-24 09:10spill, 21 min~4.2 km
2026-10-24 08:52spill, 22 min~0.3 km
2026-10-24 06:55spill, 5 min~0.3 km
2026-10-23 05:50spill, 11 min~0.3 km
2026-10-23 02:12spill, 1 min~2.1 km
2026-10-23 01:27spill, 1 min~0.3 km
2026-10-22 23:10spill, 9 min~0.3 km
2026-10-22 22:51spill, 8 min~0.3 km
2026-10-22 21:35spill, 475 min~4.2 km
2026-10-22 21:24spill, 212 min~2.1 km
2026-10-22 21:07spill, 798 min~4.3 km
2026-10-22 20:57spill, 72 min~4.6 km
2026-10-22 20:49spill, 4 min~0.3 km
2026-10-22 20:49spill, 8 min~4.4 km
2026-10-22 20:45spill, 33 min~0.0 km
2026-10-22 20:29spill, 53 min~4.4 km
2026-10-22 20:22spill, 38 min~4.8 km
2026-10-22 20:18spill, 52 min~4.2 km
2026-10-22 20:02spill, 0 min~4.8 km
2026-10-22 19:58spill, 31 min~0.3 km
2026-10-22 18:35spill, 10 min~0.3 km
2026-10-21 23:43spill, 2 min~0.3 km
2026-10-21 22:40spill, 7 min~0.3 km
2026-10-20 22:56spill, 3 min~0.3 km
2026-10-15 22:40spill, 6 min~0.3 km
2026-10-01 00:15spill, 10 min~0.3 km
2026-09-30 02:36spill, 13 min~0.3 km
2026-09-30 01:50spill, 6 min~0.3 km
2026-09-29 22:31spill, 6 min~4.2 km
2026-09-29 22:27spill, 36 min~4.4 km
2026-09-29 22:25spill, 3 min~4.8 km
2026-09-29 21:49spill, 118 min~4.6 km
2026-09-29 21:35spill, 53 min~0.3 km
2026-09-08 13:14spill, 2 min~2.1 km
2026-09-08 05:18spill, 429 min~4.3 km
2026-09-08 04:17spill, 51 min~0.3 km
2026-09-08 00:16spill, 12 min~0.3 km
2026-09-08 00:01spill, 0 min~0.3 km
2026-09-04 06:18spill, 5 min~0.3 km
2026-08-30 20:08spill, 176 min~4.6 km
2026-08-29 21:38spill, 7 min~4.6 km
2026-08-29 11:32spill, 1 min~2.1 km
2026-08-29 09:50spill, 106 min~4.3 km
2026-08-29 09:17spill, 3 min~0.3 km
2026-08-29 04:28spill, 3 min~4.4 km
2026-08-29 04:27spill, 148 min~4.4 km
2026-08-29 04:22spill, 41 min~4.2 km
2026-08-29 04:21spill, 23 min~4.8 km
2026-08-29 04:17spill, 35 min~0.3 km
2026-08-25 06:33spill, 7 min~0.3 km
2026-07-16 20:28spill, 44 min~4.2 km
2026-07-15 09:01spill, 10 min~4.3 km
2026-07-07 11:52spill, 219 min~4.8 km
2026-06-26 00:12spill, 1 min~0.3 km
2026-06-26 00:12spill, 1 min~0.3 km
2026-06-06 10:24spill, 139 min~4.3 km
2026-06-06 10:24spill, 139 min~4.3 km
2026-06-06 03:23spill, 974 min~4.2 km
2026-06-06 03:23spill, 974 min~4.2 km
2026-06-03 09:46spill, 46 min~4.7 km
2026-06-03 09:46spill, 46 min~4.7 km
2026-06-02 04:14spill, 11 min~4.2 km
2026-06-02 04:14spill, 11 min~4.2 km
2026-05-18 21:22spill, 110 min~4.6 km
2026-05-18 21:22spill, 110 min~4.6 km
2026-05-12 09:21spill, 1 min~4.8 km
2026-05-12 09:21spill, 1 min~4.8 km
2026-05-12 09:21spill, 1 min~4.8 km
2026-05-12 09:21spill, 1 min~4.8 km
2026-05-02 19:36spill, 2 min~2.1 km
2026-05-02 19:36spill, 2 min~2.1 km
2026-05-02 14:16spill, 44 min~0.3 km
2026-05-02 14:16spill, 44 min~0.3 km
2026-05-02 13:47spill, 109 min~4.4 km
2026-05-02 13:47spill, 109 min~4.4 km
2026-02-26 23:20spill, 224 min~0.0 km
2026-02-26 23:20spill, 224 min~0.0 km
2026-02-18 11:43spill, 14 min~4.2 km
2026-02-18 11:43spill, 14 min~4.2 km
2026-02-13 18:06spill, 7 min~2.2 km
2026-02-13 18:06spill, 7 min~2.2 km
2026-01-29 22:21spill, 8 min~4.4 km
2026-01-29 22:21spill, 8 min~4.4 km
2026-01-23 20:40spill, 54 min~0.4 km
2026-01-23 20:40spill, 54 min~0.4 km
2025-08-28 23:19spill, 31 min~5.0 km
2025-08-28 23:19spill, 31 min~5.0 km
Take action — email SWW / your MPGot ill here? Build a reportReport pollution

Water quality — 7-year trend

Water quality improved in 2026: average E. coli was 34% lower than 2025.

YearEA classificationSamplesE. coli (geo-mean)Enterococci (geo-mean)High readings
2019—1314 cfu/100ml13 cfu/100ml1 of 13
2020—310 cfu/100ml10 cfu/100ml0
2021—2021 cfu/100ml22 cfu/100ml2 of 20
2022—2018 cfu/100ml17 cfu/100ml1 of 20
2023—2014 cfu/100ml15 cfu/100ml1 of 20
2024—2014 cfu/100ml11 cfu/100ml0
2025excellent1517 cfu/100ml13 cfu/100ml1 of 15
2026—1011 cfu/100ml11 cfu/100ml0

Geometric mean of Environment Agency samples per calendar year (the standard bathing-water statistic). "High readings" are samples at or above 500 E. coli or 200 enterococci cfu/100ml.

Cawsand — frequently asked questions

Is it safe to swim at Cawsand today?

Cawsand is currently rated RED: Storm overflow discharging within 5 km right now. Incoming/high tide may carry discharge closer to shore. This is guidance only — also check official alerts and use your judgement.

Has there been a sewage spill near Cawsand?

331 storm-overflow spills were recorded near Cawsand in 2025 (EA Event Duration Monitoring), and 113 spill events have been logged nearby so far this year.

What is Cawsand's bathing water classification?

Cawsand is classified excellent for 2025 by the Environment Agency.

Data & provenance

Last updated
8 min ago (2026-10-24 14:15 UTC)
Sources
Environment Agency (samples & classification), South West Water (overflows), EA EDM (annual spills), Open-Meteo (rainfall & tide). Full list on about.
Confidence
High — official classification, 17 outfalls monitored within 5 km.
Risk model
v0.4
Download
Sample timeline (JSON) · All beaches (CSV)
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