THERE is a warning to stay out of the water at Aberdour after the discovery of pollution at the coast that "may cause illness".
The location affected is the harbour/Black Sands area, with locals and visitors told not to paddle or swim in the Forth and to keep pets away.
A Fife Council post said: "Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has requested members of the public are informed of high microbiological contamination readings at Aberdour Harbour Sands.
"Pollution has been identified by Sepa at Aberdour beach and exposure may cause illness.
"Therefore, members of the public are temporarily advised against bathing, paddling, or playing in the sea or streams running into both beaches until further notice.
"Signage has been placed at key access points with the following guidance:
• Do not enter the water to paddle or swim
• Keep pets away from the water
• Wash hands and footwear after visiting the area, and ensure you wash your hands before eating and/or drinking
• You should not take anything home from the beach
• You should not gather and/or consume shellfish collected from this area.
"For further information please contact SEPA on 03000 99 66 99."
Microbial contamination is the unintentional introduction or presence of micro-organisms – such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites – in environments, substances or products where they shouldn't be.
This can cause product spoilage, destroy laboratory experiments, and pose severe health risks to humans and animals.
A post by Aberdour Community Council said: "We have just been informed by Fife Coast and Countryside Trust that warning signage is being erected at Aberdour Harbour / Black Sands following notification from Sepa of a high bathing water result.
"Sepa is currently investigating and is liaising with Scottish Water as part of its enquiries.
"At this stage, no further information is available. We will share updates from the relevant authorities as soon as they are provided.
"Please follow the advice on the signage if you are visiting the harbour sands, and refer to official updates from Sepa, Fife Council and Fife Coast and Countryside Trust for the latest information."
Aberdour Festival, which includes a beach day and raft race, gets underway on Friday July 31.
