Swimmers in Clacton have been advised against bathing close to the pier after the water quality was rated ‘poor’ by the Environment Agency.
Samples of water at Groyne 41, a popular spot for swimmers, were taken on May 8, revealing traces of E.Coli and Intestinal Enterococci in the water.
As a result of the recent tests, the Environment Agency has issued a water quality warning, advising swimmers to avoid bathing in the area.
However, the rest of Clacton’s waters have been given a clean bill of heath - with the main Clacton beach, east of the pier, receiving an excellent rating and the beach near Martello Tower receiving a good rating.
Meanwhile, the waters at Dovercourt and Holland-on-Sea were rated excellent, Frinton, Walton and Jaywick were rated good and West Mersea was rated sufficient.
A Tendring District Council (TDC) spokesman said investigation work was ongoing with partners to establish the cause, and a solution, to poor water quality around Groyne 41.
He said: “TDC is working very closely with partners at the Environment Agency and Anglian Water, and Clacton Pier, to tackle this with a multi-agency response.
“Specialists, including microbiologists, have been brought in to continue with work on this complex issue, and a meeting held just last week a fresh approach was agreed.
“Clacton has a number of fantastic beaches and bathing spots, some with Blue Flag accreditation, and continues to be a popular destination for residents and visitors alike – but TDC is not resting on its laurels and will carry on working to bring all of our beaches up to a high standard.”
An Environment Agency spokeswoman said: “The Environment Agency is working with Anglian Water and Tendring District Council to help improve Clacton Groyne 41’s water quality.
“Since 2010, Anglian Water has invested over £100,000 investigating the sources of pollution at Clacton Groyne 41.
“Other actions taken include monitoring for potential sources of groundwater contamination and improvements to two local sewerage treatment plants.”
A spokeswoman for Anglian Water added that issues with coastal water quality at Groyne 41 were not linked to any Anglian Water operations or equipment.
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