What is causing pollution at Norfolk's most noxious beach?

But what exactly is behind the ongoing pollution problems at Heacham?

The picture, it seems, is murky.

Anglian Water defends the role played by its nearby sewage treatment centre, which releases 'recycled' water into the Heacham river which then flows into the sea at the beach.

It says other sources are behind the poor water quality in the area, with seabirds - which are particularly numerous in this area of the Wash - accused of being the main culprit.

But critics are sceptical and say further research is needed.

Heacham Beach's water quality has been classified as poor by the Environment Agency since 2019 (Image: Chris Bishop)

To try to get to the bottom of the problem and improve the outlook for this stunning area of coastline, experts from Anglian Water met senior figures from the Environment Agency (EA), RSPB and council leaders at the beach earlier this week.

The event took place on the very day that the EA issued a new pollution risk warning for the beach, where it has officially classified the waters as 'poor' since 2019.

Anglian Water points to the results of so-called Microbial Source Tracking research to support its charge that seabirds are behind the pollution. 

The analysis detects DNA markers in faecal matter and the findings, the water company say, "clearly show" the role played by birds.

READ MORE: Norfolk beach named among UK's 'most contaminated'

Sea birds have been identified as the main source, according to Anglian Water (Image: Newsquest)

However, the EA, which undertakes the testing, said it is not able to come to that conclusion currently as while the study can detect markers, it cannot provide a proportional figure of where the pollutant sources have come from.

Some DNA markers, such as those from seals, are also yet to be identified, so this does not show in the analysis.

Kayleigh Gadd, a water quality specialist, said: "Currently we just don't know enough.

"We need more testing to build a wider picture of the situation."

READ MORE: Bird expert questions seabird blame at Heacham Beach

Raw sewage from Hunstanton and nearby areas pumps out at the start of the water treatment process (Image: Owen Sennitt)

The EA said it is continuing to work closely with partners, including the local council, to investigate water quality at Heacham, and that it is focusing its investigation on contamination from human factors and activities, including livestock farming.

READ MORE: How chemical cocktails are poisoning Norfolk's rivers

The changing shape of the Wash could also be at play, as altered tidal movements and more sandbanks could be affecting the flow of water, causing less of the bacteria to be flushed out to sea.

Philip Pearson, senior conservation manager for the RSPB, added: "The Wash is one of the most important estuaries for wader birds so you will see a higher bird presence but we need to look at the wider issues much more closely to understand what is going on."

Sewage water is aerated with 'mixed liquors' as part of the treatment process (Image: Owen Sennitt)

Anglian Water is adamant that its water recycling centre, or sewage treatment site, is not responsible as its ultraviolet light disinfection system kills any remaining bacteria and viruses.

Technician David Tickle explains how the ultraviolet light disinfection machine kills viruses and bacteria (Image: Owen Sennitt)The centre is where thousands of homes' wastewater from Hunstanton and the surrounding area is treated through a four-hour cleaning process before being released back into the River Heacham and then out into the sea.

Anglian Water technician David Ticke explains how the water is tested for ammonia (Image: Owen Sennitt)

There have been elevated bacteria levels found in the lower reaches of the river near to the coast after periods of heavy rainfall.

It is believed this could be from a number of sources, including agricultural run-off, misconnections from homes and campsites, leaching septic tanks and cesspits and an Anglian Water surface water line from a nearby estate.

READ MORE: Anglian Water handed two star Environment Agency rating

However, the Environment Agency say it is difficult to pinpoint exactly how these factors impact Heacham's coastal waters.

The river's catchment - the land that drains into it - stretches as far as Snettisham, Bircham and Docking (Image: Owen Sennitt)

County councillor Rob Colwell, who represents Gaywood South, said that while there may be more questions than answers, it was positive to see that Anglian Water and the Environment Agency were making efforts to investigate the issue.

He said: "It is clearly a very complex issue and it will take time to inspect.

"But at least we can see that it is being looked at and not just buried in the sand.

Cllr Sandra Squire, cabinet member for environment and coastal at West Norfolk Council added: "There is not a simple solution and no clear source of blame so it is going to be a case of all of us working together to tackle it."

Cllr Rob Colwell and Cllr Sandra Squire during the visit with Anglian Water to Heacham (Image: Rob Colwell)

For now, the pollution-plagued beach continues to be monitored closely, with the Environment Agency conducting extra analysis during this bathing season.

All those involved - as well as those who live near this stretch of coast - are hoping the picture, and the water, may start to become clearer.