One of the most popular beaches in the Vale of Glamorgan, Ogmore-by-Sea beach, has been flagged as one of the country’s worst for bathing water quality. Despite being designated for bathing in 2023, it received a ‘poor’ rating for water quality, a classification that still stands. Watch House Bay in Barry, which was also given a ‘poor’ rating initially, has since been upgraded to ‘sufficient’. However, Ogmore-by-Sea beach remains a cause for concern. Rhyl is the only other designated bathing area in Wales currently rated as ‘poor’. Cllr Joanna Protheroe, representing St Bride’s Major on the Vale of Glamorgan Council, expressed disappointment at the continued poor rating, remarking that the community was aware of the existing issues even before the designation.
An environmental scrutiny committee meeting at the Vale of Glamorgan Council heard from officials at Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Welsh Water about the challenges affecting water quality at Ogmore-by-Sea beach. Situated near the River Ogmore and a wastewater treatment facility, the area is susceptible to various sources of contamination, including storm overflows. NRW Operations Manager, David Letellier, highlighted that identifying the exact causes of water quality issues is complex and may involve factors beyond the river itself, such as misconnections from households and other potential sources like wildlife activities on the beach.
NRW declared an “abnormal situation” at Ogmore-by-Sea in May 2024, prompting the installation of additional signage prohibiting swimming. Despite the efforts to address the pollution source, the abnormal situation was only lifted in June 2024. Investigations into the specific reasons behind the incident are ongoing. Welsh Water is committed to improving water quality across Wales, with a significant investment earmarked for storm overflow enhancements. Environmental advisor Jennifer Grubb assured the council committee that an investigation into Ogmore-by-Sea would commence soon, aiming to pinpoint the exact origins of the bacterial contamination and target interventions accordingly.
While more than 70 designated beaches in Wales boast an ‘excellent’ water quality rating, the case of Ogmore-by-Sea underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining pristine bathing conditions. Cllr Susan Lloyd Selby, a member of the environmental scrutiny committee, stressed the importance of swift improvements to reassure residents. Welsh Water’s commitment to investigating the root causes of water quality failures underscores the necessity of a thorough understanding before implementing corrective measures. Both officials and community representatives acknowledge the time and diligence required for sustainable improvements in water quality, emphasising a collaborative effort to safeguard the environmental integrity of Wales’ beaches.
As discussions continue on how best to tackle water quality issues at Ogmore-by-Sea beach, the proactive stance taken by the Vale of Glamorgan Council, NRW, and Welsh Water signals a collective commitment to address the challenges facing this beloved coastal area. With investments and investigations underway, there is optimism for positive changes on the horizon. Residents and visitors alike can look forward to a future where Ogmore-by-Sea beach regains its status as a safe and enjoyable bathing destination in the Vale of Glamorgan.