Bathing water profile - Leven

Last reviewed: 14 May 2025

Bathing water classification and sample results

Bathing water description

Leven bathing water is east of the town of Leven in Fife. It is a roughly 2 km long sandy beach. It is bordered by a promenade and a golf course. Depending on the tide, the distance to the water’s edge can vary from 0–270 metres.

Site details:

Local authority: Fife Council
Year of designation: 2008
Water sampling location: NO 39600 01400

Risks to water quality

This bathing water is at risk of short term pollution following heavy rainfall. Bathing is not advised during or 1-2 days after heavy rainfall due to the risk to bathers’ health from water pollution.

Pollution risks include sewer overflows and surface water discharges.

Catchment description

The Leven bathing water catchment extends to 11.5 km2. The area is mainly rural (94%) with arable agriculture the major land use. Approximately 6% of the catchment is urban. The main population centres are Leven and Kennoway. The main river in the catchment is the Scoonie Burn.

The Firth of Forth is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Ramsar site and contains Special Protection Areas. The Strathmore and Fife area is a surface water Nitrate Vulnerable Zone

View this Bathing Water on our interactive Map Service

Improving bathing water quality

Sewage

Scottish Water provides most waste water collection and treatment services in Scotland.

Levenmouth sewage treatment works operates tertiary treatment during the bathing season, with treated effluent discharging to the of Forth of Forth via a long sea outfall.

Agriculture

There are no impacts from agriculture affecting this bathing water.

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), algae and jellyfish

Marine waters are not at risk of cyanobacteria overproduction. This bathing water is not at risk of excessive growth of macroalgae (seaweed) or phytoplankton.

The possibility of increased jellyfish numbers in the water during summer months is a naturally occurring phenomenon. Most species common to the UK are harmless; the Marine Conservation Society advises to ‘look but don’t touch’.

Pollution incidents

Pollution can be reported via our website online form or by calling our 24 hours a day Pollution Hotline number 0800 80 70 60

If pollution is reported to us, or identified by our routine water quality monitoring program, we will investigate and where necessary work with others to remediate. We may contact other relevant organisations including the local authority, that local health board, Scottish Water and Scottish Ministers.

If there is a risk to human health the local authority is responsible for placing signs at the bathing water. Information will also be available on our website.

Everyone can help to keep the bathing water clean:

If you visit the beach with your dog clear up any fouling
Don’t leave litter or feed birds - this encourages unnatural behaviour, and they can pollute the water
At home, don’t flush wipes or other inappropriate items as these can block pipes and cause sewage spills