The Dirty Truth Behind the Dart: What Wild Swimmers Need to Know
There’s a magic to swimming in the River Dart — cool currents, hidden pools, and the sound of rushing water cutting through ancient woodland. For many of us, wild swimming here symbolises freedom, vitality, and peace.
But beneath the beauty, there’s a problem that can’t be ignored: untreated sewage is being dumped into the Dart. Not just during storms — sometimes on clear, dry days when families, swimmers, and paddleboarders are out enjoying the river.
This post isn’t about fear — it’s about awareness. Because when we know better, we can protect both ourselves and the river we love.
What’s Really Going Into the Dart?
Sewage Overflows in Numbers
According to Friends of the Dart, several sites along the river recorded hundreds of hours of sewage discharge in 2023 and 2024.
Harbertonford overflowed for over 2,100 hours.
Totnes sewage treatment works discharged for 1,334 hours.
Warfleet Creek pumping station had 364 spill events in a single year.
These “storm overflows” are meant to protect infrastructure during heavy rainfall — yet many occur even in dry conditions.
The Rise of “Dry-Day” Spills
Across England, nearly 8,000 dry-day spills were reported in the first half of 2025. Over 2,300 came from South West Water — meaning waste is entering rivers without rainfall to dilute it.
For swimmers, that’s a hidden danger: clear skies don’t mean clean water.
What the Environment Agency Says
The Dart Estuary is classed as “Moderate” ecologically, but it fails chemical safety standards due to contamination.
Weekly testing takes place during summer months at designated bathing sites like Steamer Quay, Warfleet Creek, and Castle Cove — yet many areas we love to swim remain untested and unmonitored.
What It Means for Wild Swimmers
Health Risks
Exposure to sewage can cause:
Gastrointestinal illness (E. coli, norovirus, parasites)
Skin and ear infections
Eye irritation and rashes
Long-term exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria
The University of Exeter is currently studying the health risks faced by wild swimmers across Devon and beyond.
Unpredictable Conditions
Even if you follow the “don’t swim for 72 hours after rain” rule, dry-day spills mean pollution can strike without warning.
Ecological Impact
Sewage releases reduce oxygen, increase nitrogen and phosphorus, and damage habitats. What harms the river’s ecosystem eventually harms our own wellbeing.
How to Swim Safely in the Dart
✅ Check before you swim.
Use WaterFit Live for live overflow alerts.
✅ Wait 48–72 hours after heavy rain.
Pathogen levels are highest after rainfall or storms.
✅ Avoid outfalls and drains.
Even small creeks can carry contamination downstream.
✅ Cover cuts and avoid swallowing water.
Simple precautions drastically reduce risk.
✅ Report pollution.
Discoloured, foamy, or foul-smelling water should be reported to Friends of the Dart or the Environment Agency hotline.
✅ Join citizen science projects.
Help test and log local water quality — small efforts add up.
A Community Response: Poseidon’s Pledge
At Poseidon Performance, we train people to be stronger, healthier, and more resilient — but that mission extends beyond the gym walls. The River Dart is part of our local identity. If we care about longevity, vitality, and human performance, we must also protect the environment that sustains it.
That’s why we’re joining the call for accountability and transparency from South West Water, while encouraging our community — wild swimmers, rowers, kayakers, and locals alike — to stay informed and take action.
This isn’t about blame. It’s about responsibility.
Because clean water is not a privilege — it’s a right.
Take Action
Bookmark WaterFit Live for live overflow data.
Share this article to raise awareness among fellow swimmers.
Support Friends of the Dart and local water-testing initiatives.
Log pollution events — your observation might make the next swimmer safer.
Closing Note
The Dart has given generations of locals and visitors joy, adventure, and reflection. It deserves the same respect we give to our own bodies — care, discipline, and restoration.
The river is our training ground. Let’s keep it alive.
