SEPA and Scottish Water warn beach users of pollution affecting the Kinghorn Burn
Date published: 01 July 2026
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Scottish Water are working together alongside NHS Fife, Fife Council and Fife Coast and Countryside Trust in response to a localised pollution incident affecting the Kinghorn Burn.
Water quality in the stream which flows underground beneath the town, and across Kinghorn Harbour beach, has been found to be intermittently poor due to pollution and may present a risk to human and animal health. Members of the public are advised to avoid contact with the burn when visiting the beach.
Temporary signage has been installed at access points to the beach to reflect this guidance and will remain there until water quality in the burn has improved.
Anyone who becomes unwell after contact with water from the burn, particularly with symptoms such as sickness, diarrhoea, stomach cramps or fever should seek advice from www.nhsinform.scot website or call NHS24 on 111.
A spokesperson for SEPA said:
“SEPA are continuing to monitor the situation closely, including carrying out further water quality testing. The need for precautionary advice about the water quality in the burn will be kept under review.
“There are no restrictions on bathing or paddling within the Kinghorn Harbour beach bathing water. SEPA’s sampling of the bathing water will continue as normal; public advice will be updated if any issues at the bathing water are identified."
A spokesperson for Scottish Water said:
“We have been actively carrying out investigations across the sewer network and wider underground drainage networks in Kinghorn to identify and address potential sources of recent high sample results.
"Water quality issues at Kinghorn Harbour beach have been uniquely complex and challenging, but we are committed to continuing work with partners to deliver improvement."