In 2023, the alarming revelation that nearly 56,000 cubic meters of sewage was discharged into the Western Cleddau River has raised serious concerns among environmental advocates and local residents. According to data from the Cleddau Project, Welsh Water’s pumping station in Picton was operating at 80% capacity from July 2022 to February 2024. This inefficiency led to a staggering equivalent of 17 tanker loads of untreated sewage being released daily into a designated conservation area.
Campaigners from the Cleddau Project became involved after noticing unusual discharges from an overflow pipe at Picton playing fields. Upon reviewing performance data, they discovered that the pumps were intended to operate at 120 liters per second but were functioning at only 95 or 96 liters per second.
Ric Cooper from the Cleddau Project emphasized that this shortfall meant approximately 20% of sewage meant for treatment was entering the river directly. He highlighted the gravity of the situation by illustrating that the community would react strongly if they witnessed a tanker unloading its contents into the waterway.
Data revealed that in 2023, the Picton overflow pipe discharged sewage 133 times, totaling nearly 647 hours of pollution. Tests indicated dangerously high levels of ammonia and E. coli, which exceeded safe bathing standards.
The situation prompted repeated reports to Natural Resources Wales (NRW), which initiated an investigation in June 2023, nearly a year after concerns were raised. Simon Walters, another campaigner, expressed worries about the impact on local fish populations, including sewin and salmon. He remarked on the drastic change in water quality, stating he would not allow his dog to swim in areas where he once swam as a child.
Political leaders have also weighed in on this pressing issue. Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell deemed the pollution “unacceptable” and advocated for increased resources for NRW, which currently investigates only 20% of reported breaches.
Welsh Water has publicly apologized and outlined its plans for upgrades to improve operations across Wales. The company is set to invest £4 billion between 2025 and 2030, with £100 million earmarked specifically for improvements in Pembrokeshire.
As regulatory bodies like Ofwat investigate Welsh Water’s practices, there lies a broader context: addressing systemic issues within wastewater management is crucial. The actions taken now may pave the way for better water quality and environmental protection in Wales moving forward.
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