Dawlish Water facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dawlish Water |
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Dawlish Water in Dawlish
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| Country | England |
| Counties | Devon |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Dawlish 50°34′48″N 3°27′54″W / 50.5801°N 3.465°W |
Dawlish Water is a small stream that flows through the county of Devon in England. It's a coastal stream, meaning it flows directly into the sea. This stream is an important part of the town of Dawlish, as it runs right through its center.
Contents
Where Dawlish Water Begins
Dawlish Water and its smaller streams start in the Haldon Hills. These hills are mostly covered with heathland and conifer forests. The streams begin on the eastern side of Haldon Forest, near the A380 road and the B3192 road.
The Journey to the Sea
From its starting point, Dawlish Water flows southeast. It passes through areas like Ashcombe and the village of Dawlish Water. Finally, it reaches the town of Dawlish. As it flows through the town, the stream goes over several small weirs. It also passes under the A379 road and the main railway line that connects London to Penzance. You can see it near Dawlish railway station. The journey ends when Dawlish Water flows into the English Channel.
Flooding in Dawlish
The part of Dawlish Water that flows through the town can sometimes flood. This often happens when strong winds blow from the south or east. These winds push moist air up the Haldon Hills. This causes heavy rain to fall. The stream reacts quickly to heavy rainfall. This means its water levels can rise very fast. However, the water levels also tend to drop quickly once the rain stops.
Water Quality and Improvements
Sometimes, after a lot of rain, the water quality in Dawlish Water can be affected. This can happen because of water from farms upstream. It can also be affected by combined sewer overflows in the town. When the river's water quality is poor, it can affect the bathing water on the nearby beach. This is especially true right after heavy rain.
Good news! Things have been getting better recently. Different groups are working together to improve the water quality. The Environment Agency (EA) has been talking with local farmers. They also work with water companies. Their goal is to make sure the water in Dawlish Water is clean and safe.
Measuring the Water Level
People have been measuring the water level of Dawlish Water since 2012. This helps them keep an eye on the stream. Usually, the water level is between 0.12 metres (4.7 in) and 0.33 metres (1 ft 1 in) deep. The highest water level ever recorded was 1.32 metres (4 ft 4 in). This happened in November 2012.
