One of the wettest summers on record has been blamed on several East Devon beaches failing to meet water quality standards.
Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton beaches have both failed to meet the minimum standards to make the Marine Conservation Society's Good Beach Guide published yesterday, Wednesday, March 27.
However Sandy Bay at Exmouth was also recommended with the highest rating.
The guide reveals those beaches which have clean water and those which have higher-than-acceptable levels of bacteria from sewage or animal waste.
The list is compiled based on last year's water quality tests under the European Bathing Water Directive.
Ladram Bay, Sidmouth beach, Jacob's Ladder beach at Sidmouth and Teignmouth and Dawlish Town are among those to have just made the minimum standards set.
Meanwhile, Dawlish Warren was recommended for having clean water by the Society.
Beaches at Branscombe, Beer and Seaton also met minimum standards.
South West Water have confirmed last year's high rainfall was to blame.
A spokesperson said: "This summer was the wettest on record for 100 years and bad weather can adversely affect bathing water quality when heavy rain impacts on urban drainage and agricultural run-off.
"Heavy storms can also trigger the operation of combined sewer overflows in the sewerage system.
"Over the past 20 years we have invested more than £2 billion to improve bathing water quality across the region.
"Our priority has been and continues to be doing everything we can to make sure that our assets are not responsible for bathing waters failing to meet the mandatory standard."
