Combe Martin

12.3°C Water temp · May 5

United Kingdom Coastal 3 - Sufficient 12.3°C

Combe Martin is a small resort, in a sheltered valley, at the western edge of Exmoor National Park on the north Devon coast. The beach is sandy, approximately 110 metres wide and the River Umber is channelled across the beach at the west side.

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Water

Coastal bathing water

Location

North Devon, Devon, Combe Martin

Season

Designated bathing water since 1988. Official monitoring season runs from May to September.

Water Quality

Sufficient (2025). Assessed under rBWD

Risks

There is an emergency/storm overflow from the Beach pumping station that discharges to the River Umber 30m from the beach. There is an emergency/storm overflow from the Lorna Irwin pumping station and a storm overflow from Pack O' Cards CSO that both discharge to the River Umber further upstream from the beach. The operation of the overflows can lead to a temporary drop in bathing water quality at Combe Martin beach.
The operation of these overflows is monitored and work is ongoing to reduce the duration and number of times these operate. Reducing the amount of surface water entering the sewer network can reduce the number of times overflows operate. Current work being carried out by South West Water includes reducing the infiltration of groundwater into the sewer pipes and diverting clean roof water into the river directly.
A partnership project between South West Water, North Devon Biosphere Environment Agency, Catchment Sensitive Farming and local landowners began in the upper parts of the catchment. In February 2021 the planting of 40,000 trees occurred across this area. The trees will help delay rain from overwhelming the sewer system, reduce flood risk and help improve water quality at the bathing water.