Mundesley Beach re-opens after water testing

Date published: 20th April 2023

Mundesley beach is now safely ‘re-opened’ following independent water and sand quality testing and subsequent satisfactory test results.

On Sunday 19 March, the Council was notified that there had been an issue at the Anglian Water facility next to the lifeboat station in Mundesley involving the release of untreated water onto the beach.

Subsequently,  the Council advised people to avoid the affected area of the beach.

In the days following the incident, NNDC and Anglian Water both undertook independent sampling to determine when the beach could be reopened without presenting a risk to public health.  

Anglian Water also submitted 5 different sand samples, obtained over an 8-day period.

After significant testing, the results were discussed with partner agencies, and it has been concluded that the beach can now be ‘opened’ to the public - residents and visitors can once again safely visit Mundesley beach.

Assistant Director for Environmental & Leisure Services Emily Capps said:

“We’re pleased that test results for Mundesley have come back to indicate it’s safe for our residents and visitors to access this part of Mundesley beach as it is an extremely popular beach. As a coastal authority, water quality along our beaches is of significant importance we continue to work with partner agencies to ensure it is as high as possible.

We appreciate the cooperation of Anglian Water, the Environment Agency and the UK Health Security Agency in addressing this incident.”

Anglian Water will continue to undertake routine work in Mundesley ahead of the bathing season, with workers attending on Wednesday 25 April for the planned, routine maintenance on the wet well at the pumping station.

You can find out more about beach water quality via the Environment Agency or environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage