In a stark revelation, campaigners have reported that nearly 56,000 cubic meters of sewage was discharged into the Western Cleddau river in 2023. This alarming statistic comes from data provided by Welsh Water, indicating that pumps at the Picton station in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, operated at 80% capacity from July 2022 to February 2024. Consequently, the equivalent of 17 tankers per day bypassed sewage treatment facilities and ended up in a designated special conservation area.
Following observations of increased sewage spills from an overflow pipe at Picton playing fields, campaigners from the Cleddau Project sought clarity on pump performance. According to Ric Cooper from the project, the pumps should ideally operate at 120 liters per second, but they recorded only 95 to 96 liters, leading to a significant proportion of untreated sewage entering the river.
Cooper noted that over a year, this mismanagement resulted in an average of 17 tankers daily discharging into the waterway. He emphasized that such frequent incidents would provoke public outrage if they were visible.
Data revealed that in 2023 alone, the overflow pipe discharged 133 times, accumulating nearly 647 hours of release. Tests conducted by the Cleddau Project found dangerously high levels of ammonia and toxins lethal to fish populations. Despite multiple reports filed with Natural Resources Wales (NRW), a formal investigation only commenced in June 2023.
Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell criticized the situation as “not acceptable,” highlighting NRW’s struggle with limited resources—investigating only 20% of reported breaches. He underscored that UK legislation is evolving to empower regulators against pollution offenders, with Ofwat recently opening enforcement cases against Welsh Water and three other firms for their wastewater management practices.
In response, Welsh Water acknowledged its shortcomings and expressed regret for the environmental damage caused. Steve Wilson, head of wastewater operations, stated that upgrades to the Picton pumping station were underway but faced delays due to construction timelines. The company has committed to investing £4 billion between 2025 and 2030 on enhancements and maintenance across Wales, including £100 million specifically for Pembrokeshire.
As these developments unfold, it remains crucial for regulatory bodies and utility companies to prioritize environmental protection and public health. The ongoing oversight will define how effectively Wales can tackle its sewage crisis while safeguarding its natural resources for future generations.
Sewage Crisis in Pembrokeshire: A Call for Improvement 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.
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