Glen Wyllin Bathing Water Profile
Current water quality classification is Excellent, based on weekly samples taken from 2019 to 2023.
Description
Located in a rural area on the western coast of the island, Glen Wyllin Beach forms one stretch of a long strip of sand, shingle and rock coastline which stretches for miles in either direction. The beach is accessible from Glen Wyllin campsite.
Glen Wyllin beach is regularly used by families and bathers for beach activities such as dog walking, open water swimming and water sports. There are toilets located at the campsite and in Kirk Michael village there is a café, shops, public toilets and recycling facilities.
For more information on Glen Wyllin, visit the Visit Isle of Man website.
| Samples taken | Weekly throughout the bathing season |
|---|---|
| 2020 classification | **Good |
| 2021 classification | **Good |
| 2022 classification | **Good |
| 2023 classification | ***Excellent |
| Local authority | Kirk Michael Commissioners |
| Water sampling point | SC 309 906 |
| QR Code |  |
Water Quality Sample Results
See the help page for additional information on interpreting these charts.
Escherichia coli (EC)
2024
2020 to 2023
Intestinal Enterococci (IE)
2024
2020 to 2023
Catchment Description
The catchment surrounding Glen Wyllin is approximately 0.05 km2.
The Kirk Michael stream discharges near to the designated bathing water. The surrounding catchment is mainly agricultural with small urban areas. During adverse weather there is a likelihood that the nutrient concentration from the rivers discharging into the bay are elevated which could increase the concentrations of bacteria
Pollution Risk Forecasts
This bathing water is subject to short term pollution. Short term pollution is caused when heavy rainfall or high tides wash faecal material into the sea from livestock, sewage and urban drainage via rivers and streams. At this site the risk of encountering reduced water quality increases after rainfall and typically returns to normal after 1-3 days.
Investigations Statement
The Environmental Protection Unit is not currently investigating any pollution incidents within this catchment. To report any water pollution; please call +44 1624 685885 or email environmentalprotection@gov.im
Pollution Management
It is the Environmental Protection Unit's role to drive improvement of water quality at bathing waters that are at risk of failing higher standards. It is natural for water to run off the land to the sea. Water quality at a bathing water is dependent upon the type and area of land (the catchment) draining to the water and the activities undertaken in that catchment.
Stream and Rivers
Streams and rivers are typically affected by human sewage, animal slurry and run off from roads. The Kirk Michael stream discharges near to the designated bathing water.
The annual report on the routine water quality monitoring data is produced by the Environmental Protection unit.
Any reports of pollution will be investigated by officers and water samples collected if necessary.
Working with Manx Utilities
The urban area of Kirk Michael is serviced by surface, foul and combined sewer networks. These networks are maintained by Manx Utilities with the foul waste being treated at the Balleira sewage treatment works. The discharge from the sewage treatment works is approximately 1km north of the designated bathing water.
At the Glen Wyllin camp site there is a pumping station which transports the foul water from the site to the sewage treatment works at Balleira. During periods of adverse weather the combined sewer overflows from this pumping station may discharge into the stream. Modelling of the Manx Utilities infrastructure shows it is not likely to impact on the bathing water quality.
Working with Local Authorities
Surface water can flow into the sea from outfalls and highway drains. This can affect water quality, particularly after periods of rainfall.
Heavy rain falling on pavements and roads often flows into surface water drains or highway drains, ending up in local rivers and ultimately the sea. The quality of bathing water may be adversely affected because of such events.
Working with the farming community
During and after periods of heavy rainfall, run off from agricultural areas is greatly increased, and the quality of the bathing water may be adversely affected. The Environment Protection Unit are working with farmers to encourage better farming practices and improve water quality in the surrounding areas.
