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Dunster Beach

Somerset, South West
Poor Water Quality
Data last verified: 12 Nov 2026

Dunster Beach in Somerset, England, boasts a picturesque shoreline with sand and shingle shores, surrounded by stunning natural scenery. However, the official water quality rating from the Environment Agency is classified as Poor, which may deter some beachgoers. Summer water temperatures in this region typically range from 15°C to 18°C, making it suitable for swimming during warmer months.

8.1°C
Air Temp
20.5 mph
Wind Speed
Low Tide (2.1m)
in 58m (01:51) • Spring Tide
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Live Water Quality

30
Poor
Not advised
• Updated 10 mins ago
Today's Conditions • Updated 10 mins ago

Lifeguards

Unknown
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Air Temp

8.1°C
Comfortable

Weather

Partly cloudy
8.1°C

Tide

Low Tide (2.1m)
in 58m (01:51) • Spring Tide

Water Quality

Poor
Not advised

Pollution Alerts

None
No alerts today

Quick Overview

Sand & Shingle beach
Family friendly
Dog friendly
(winter)
Parking nearby
Toilets
Café

Beach Information View all details

Beach Type
Sand, Shingle
Water Quality
Poor
Avg. Air Temp
8.1°C
Swimming
Highly recommended

Community Photos

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Kingfisher Cafe
coffee shop
4.8 • 120m away
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Reference Information

🌊 Live Tide Curve, Tidal Range & 7-Day Schedule

Harmonic astronomical predictions, tidal coefficients & flow rate

Spring Tide • Coeff 87
Current Water Level
Falling ↓ (2.66m)
84% through current tide cycle (LAT)
Upcoming High & Low
▲ High: 08:00 (11.14m • in 7h 7m)
▼ Low: 01:51 (2.10m • in 58m)
Tidal Range & Coefficient
Range: 9.04m (Coeff 87/120)
Large tidal range — faster tidal currents and higher high water.
Current Tidal Flow
Moderate Ebbing Flow
Rule of Twelfths: fastest flow occurs in mid-tide hours 3 & 4.
📈 24-Hour Harmonic Tide Curve (LAT)
Station: Hinkley Point (3.29 km)
12.5m 6.8m 1m 23:0003:0007:0011:0015:0019:00 Low 01:51 (2.1m)High 08:00 (11.1m)Low 14:08 (2.3m)High 20:18 (10.7m) NOW
📅 7-Day High & Low Tide Table
Day High & Low Tides (Local Time) Tidal Range Coeff / Phase
Wed 11 Nov ▼ Low 13:36 (1.98m)▲ High 19:46 (11.15m) 9.17m Spring (88)
Today ▼ Low 01:51 (2.10m)▲ High 08:00 (11.14m)▼ Low 14:08 (2.27m)▲ High 20:18 (10.74m) 9.04m Spring (87)
Fri 13 Nov ▼ Low 02:23 (2.39m)▲ High 08:31 (10.80m)▼ Low 14:39 (2.59m)▲ High 20:50 (10.32m) 8.41m Coeff 80
Sat 14 Nov ▼ Low 02:54 (2.71m)▲ High 09:02 (10.41m)▼ Low 15:09 (2.93m)▲ High 21:22 (9.86m) 7.70m Coeff 72
Sun 15 Nov ▼ Low 03:25 (3.06m)▲ High 09:34 (9.98m)▼ Low 15:41 (3.31m)▲ High 21:58 (9.40m) 6.92m Coeff 63
Mon 16 Nov ▼ Low 04:00 (3.45m)▲ High 10:13 (9.52m)▼ Low 16:21 (3.72m)▲ High 22:44 (8.95m) 6.07m Coeff 54
Tue 17 Nov ▼ Low 04:44 (3.87m)▲ High 11:04 (9.09m)▼ Low 17:15 (4.08m)▲ High 23:43 (8.63m) 5.22m Neap (44)
Reference Station: Hinkley Point • Model: Primary Harmonic Gauge (TICON) • Datum: LAT Tide predictions via TidesAtlas
Next 4 Tides
Spring Tide
Low 01:51 2.10m
High 08:00 11.14m
Low 14:08 2.27m
High 20:18 10.74m
Current: Falling (2.66m) • Moderate Ebbing Flow
Sediment Type
Sand, Shingle

The shoreline consists primarily of sand, shingle. Sediment type dictates underfoot comfort, wave energy absorption, and the water's clarity when currents stir up the seabed.

Annual Rating
Poor

Water quality regularly fails to meet safe bathing standards. Swimmers face an elevated risk of stomach infections or skin rashes due to high bacterial loads.

Rainfall Impact
High Risk

Bacterial levels are highly susceptible to storm runoff. Heavy rainfall in the local catchment is likely to trigger storm overflows and agricultural runoff, rendering the water temporarily unsafe.

Monitoring Authority
Environment Agency

Tested weekly by the Environment Agency England for bacteria levels (E. coli & Intestinal Enterococci) between May and September.

Water Body Type
Coastal Beach

Monitored as a coastal beach. Coastal beaches are subject to tidal flows and marine dilution, whereas inland lakes/rivers suffer from low water circulation, meaning bacteria can linger longer.

Sewerage Provider
Wessex Water Services Limited

Wessex Water Services Limited is the regional utility responsible for waste water treatment, sewage infrastructure, and storm overflow management in this catchment area.

Designated Year
1988

Officially designated as a protected bathing water site in 1988. This designation mandates regular public health monitoring.

County / District
Somerset

Governed under local district sanitation and environmental safety regulations in the Somerset area.

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