Update 14th July 2026 - SEPA and Scottish Water warn beach users of pollution affecting the Kinghorn Burn
Date published: 14 July 2026
SEPA and Scottish Water continue to actively work with all relevant partners including Fife Council, NHS Fife and Fife Coast and Countryside Trust in response to the ongoing localised pollution pressure affecting the Kinghorn Burn, to protect public health and the environment.
Tuesday 14th July
Further water quality samples undertaken by SEPA last week have shown that pollution levels within the Kinghorn Burn remain high and as a result the general safety advice to avoid contact with the burn when visiting the beach remains in place.
The temporary signage reflecting this guidance, which was installed earlier this month at the location and at access points to Kinghorn Harbour, is likely to remain in position for the duration of the bathing water season as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety.
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 has committed to increasing the frequency of sampling at the Kinghorn Burn in order to closely monitor bacterial levels in the watercourse and understand the full extent of the ongoing pollution pressure at this location.
“Precautionary health and safety advice for the public is likely to remain in place for the duration of the bathing water season.”
A spokesperson for Scottish Water said:
“Investigations across the local sewer network and wider underground drainage systems in Kinghorn are ongoing as we work to identify and address potential sources contributing to the elevated sample results.
“We recognise the continued high sample results identified through SEPA’s recent monitoring and understand the concern this will cause locally.
“This is a uniquely complex issue, and we are committed to continuing to work with partners and to engage with local stakeholders to deliver improvement for the community."
Friday 3rd July
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."