THE public have been urged not to enter the sea at a popular Scottish beach due to an ongoing pollution incident.
Scotland's environmental watchdog, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said that routine water testing found high levels of bacteria on Thursday at Portobello beach in Edinburgh, according to BBC Scotland News.
Sepa is temporarily advising against bathing and paddling while investigations are carried out, due to the potential risk to human health.
More water samples will be taken in order to determine the extent of the impact.
A Sepa spokesperson said officers are currently investigating the cause of the high bacteria level at Portobello and will explore any mitigation measures if needed.
A spokesperson said: “Sepa are aware of a high bacterial result at Portobello Central bathing water.
“Our officers are currently investigating the cause of this high result and if required we will explore any mitigation measures. Further water samples will be taken from the bathing water to determine if there is any ongoing impact.
“Sepa's electronic sign at Portobello Central has been changed to advise against bathing and paddling.
“Advice against bathing will remain in place until SEPA are satisfied water quality at Portobello Central is no longer impacted.”
Last year, Sepa advised against swimming at Portobello Beach for 11 days following a pollution incident.
BBC Scotland News reports that an electronic sign at the Edinburgh beach has been updated to advise people to stay out of the water.
Portobello Beach is a designated bathing water, which means it is an officially recognised swimming spot where Sepa regularly monitors water quality during the swimming season.
There are more than 80 designated bathing waters in Scotland, which are monitored between May 15 and September 15.
Click here to see the latest water quality predictions at selected bathing waters across Scotland.
