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Watch House Bay

the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales
Poor Water Quality
Data last verified: 27 Sep 2026

Watch House Bay, a picturesque coastal gem in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, boasts a stunning shoreline of sand and shingle. However, the bay's water quality has been classified as Poor by Natural Resources Wales, which may deter some visitors. During the summer months, the water temperature at Watch House Bay is estimated to be around 15°C.

16.2°C
Air Temp
18 mph
Wind Speed
High Tide
in 1h 30m
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Live Water Quality

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

Lifeguards

Unknown
Help us verify

Air Temp

16.2°C
Comfortable

Weather

Partly cloudy
16.2°C

Tide

High Tide
in 1h 30m

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
16.2°C
Swimming
Highly recommended

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Reference Information

Full Tide Times
Low 13:58 -5.2m
High 20:10 5.9m
Low 02:17 -5.4m
High 08:28 5.9m
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
Unknown

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

Designated Year
2023

Officially designated as a protected bathing water site in 2023. This designation mandates regular public health monitoring.

County / District
the Vale of Glamorgan

Governed under local district sanitation and environmental safety regulations in the the Vale of Glamorgan area.

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