Introduction

The River Parrett experiences a small tidal wave, known as a Bore, which passes through Bridgwater.

On tides above 3.7m (chart datum) at Bridgwater, a tidal wave (bore) may form.

The Bore can be seen from a number of bridges that cross the River Parrett through Bridgwater:

• At Bridgwater town bridge, the bore usually occurs around 1 hour 40 minutes before high tide.
• At Dunball, some 3 miles downstream, the bore is visible at around 2 hours 15 minutes before high tide.

The Bore time may occur earlier or later and its height varies, since it depends on meteorological conditions and if there is an increase in fresh water running downstream.