RESIDENTS have been urged to stay out of the water at Dunbar East beach due to "possible faecal contamination".
A routine sample was taken the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) which indicated a high bacterial result in the water.
They have advised against bathing and paddling as investigations are undertaken “due to the potential human health risk”.
A similar incident was reported at Dunbar East four weeks ago when a high bacterial result was again recorded, with a warning to stay out of the water in place.
Then, water quality returned to a “satisfactory level” four days later.
Following the reading yesterday, SEPA informed East Lothian Council of the advice to avoid bathing, and signs were then placed at the bathing water to notify users.
Further water samples have been taken from the bathing water to determine if there is any on-going impact.
A spokesperson for SEPA said: "SEPA are aware of a high bacterial result at Dunbar East bathing water.
“Our officers are currently investigating the cause of this high result and if required we will explore any mitigation measures.
“East Lothian Council has placed signs at the bathing water to notify users of the high result and to avoid bathing and paddling.
“Advice against bathing will remain in place until SEPA are satisfied water quality at Dunbar East is no longer impacted.”
An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) advised us that a routine sample indicated a high result for the bathing water at Dunbar East beach.
"As a result, SEPA advised they were temporarily advising against bathing and paddling at this location whilst investigations take place.
"We arranged for signage to be put in place at the beach and we will continue to liaise with SEPA until such time that SEPA are satisfied water quality is no longer impacted.”
