Top 10 Sites for Sewage Discharges Revealed in Wales
In the recent report released by Surfers Against Sewage, the top 10 locations in Wales with the most sewage discharges in 2024 have been uncovered. The annual report sheds light on the impact of sewage on Welsh waters, highlighting the concerning frequency of such incidents.
Dŵr Cymru, the Welsh water company, reported a staggering 118,276 sewage discharges in 2024, averaging out to more than one discharge every five minutes. This marked the highest number of confirmed discharges among all water companies in the UK. Surfers Against Sewage criticised the water company, deeming their reduction targets as “lacking ambition” and “truly unacceptable.”
While the report presents data for 2024, it also indicates that sewage discharges remain prevalent in 2025. In the initial two months of the year, 8,432 discharges were recorded across Wales, demonstrating an ongoing issue with sewage pollution in the region.
The Safer Seas and Rivers Service app, offering water quality information for surf and swim spots across 600 locations in the UK, serves as a valuable resource for individuals to check the safety of entering the water. The app plays a crucial role in informing the public about water quality conditions and potential risks.
The top 10 impacted Welsh locations in 2024, as per the Safer Seas and Rivers Service app, include Llanfairfechan in Conwy with 629 discharges, Penarth Beach in the Vale of Glamorgan with 559 discharges, and Swansea Bay with 493 discharges. These figures underscore the widespread nature of sewage pollution in various parts of Wales.
Surfers Against Sewage also highlighted receiving 1,853 sickness reports from water users across the UK in 2024. The cumulative number of sick days associated with sewage pollution amounts to nine years, with an estimated economic impact of £493,200. These figures underscore the detrimental effects of poor water quality on public health and the economy.
Responding to the concerns raised, Dŵr Cymru cited the high number of storm overflows in Wales, attributing the issue to the region’s significant rainfall levels. A spokeswoman emphasised that heavy rainfall can overwhelm sewer systems, leading to spills and sewage discharges. The company acknowledged the need for improved infrastructure and environmental initiatives to address these challenges effectively.
Public trust in the water industry was found to be low, with less than a quarter of people expressing confidence in the responsible use of bill payments. Both Wales and England are actively working to tackle storm overflow issues, with a focus on reducing environmental harm in Wales and spill numbers in England.
In light of these findings, Dŵr Cymru announced plans to invest £2.5 billion in environmental projects over the next five years, including substantial funds allocated towards investigating and improving storm overflows. The commitment to enhancing water quality and infrastructure reflects a proactive approach towards mitigating sewage pollution in Wales.
Despite the challenges posed by sewage discharges, Wales boasts some of the best bathing waters in the UK, with 44% of rivers in good ecological status compared to 14% in England. These statistics underscore the importance of ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance water quality standards in Wales, ensuring a sustainable environment for future generations.