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Porthkidney Sands

Cornwall, South West
Excellent Water Quality
Data last verified: 27 Sep 2026

Porthkidney Sands, a picturesque beach in Cornwall, boasts a stunning estuary shoreline with golden sand. The beach consistently receives an Excellent water quality rating from the Environment Agency, making it perfect for swimming and water activities. During the summer months, the water temperature typically ranges from 16°C to 18°C, ideal for a refreshing dip.

15.8°C
Air Temp
17.6 mph
Wind Speed
Low Tide
in 6h 2m
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Live Water Quality

95
Excellent
Safe for swimming
• Updated 10 mins ago
Today's Conditions • Updated 10 mins ago

Lifeguards

Unknown
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Air Temp

15.8°C
Comfortable

Weather

Clear sky
15.8°C

Tide

Low Tide
in 6h 2m

Water Quality

Excellent
Safe for swimming

Pollution Alerts

None
No alerts today

Quick Overview

Sandy beach
Family friendly
Dog friendly
(winter)
Parking nearby
Toilets
Café

Beach Information View all details

Beach Type
Sand
Water Quality
Excellent
Avg. Air Temp
15.8°C
Swimming
Highly recommended

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Reference Information

Full Tide Times
High 18:18 3.0m
Low 00:42 -2.9m
High 06:37 3.0m
Low 12:58 -2.8m
Sediment Type
Sand

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

Annual Rating
Excellent

Water quality is classified as excellent, meeting the highest cleanliness standards. Bacterial counts (E. coli & Intestinal Enterococci) are consistently low, posing negligible health risks.

Rainfall Impact
Low Risk

This bathing water is generally resilient and has a low risk of quality degradation after heavy summer storm events.

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
Estuary / Transitional Water

Monitored as a transitional or estuarine bathing water. Estuarine sites experience a mix of tidal ocean flushing and river discharge, causing fluctuating salinity and water quality.

Sewerage Provider
South West Water Limited

South West Water 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
Cornwall

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

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