The chair of the Tenby Clean Seas Working Group and town councillor has slammed Welsh Water for not acting promptly to fix a burst water pipe which has this week led to local authorities issuing warnings about pollution affecting the waster across all of the seaside town’s beaches.
Natural Resources Wales stated on Monday evening (July 1) that it is investigating a pollution incident on the River Ritec near Tenby that could be impacting on water quality at the bathing water beaches in Tenby and Penally.
Welsh Water/Dŵr Cymru informed NRW of a burst rising main near Tenby which has resulted in sewage entering the River Ritec, which flows to the sea at Tenby South Beach; leading to NRW declaring an ‘abnormal situation’ as defined by the Bathing Water Regulations, with a risk to South, Castle, North, and Penally beaches.
Pembrokeshire County Council has since put up warning signs around the locality warning anyone of thinking of going in the sea to ‘do not enter the water at this time’.
‘Pembrokeshire County Council have been advised of a pollution incident. This could potentially affect the bathing water quality. We advise that you do not enter the water at this time’ states the warning signage.
Chair of the Tenby Clean Seas Working Group and member of Tenby Town Council, Cllr Duncan Whitehurst has expressed his frustration at the Welsh Water’s handling of the matter, stating that he believed local councillors had built up a good working relationship with Dŵr Cymru and were delighted to see the Blue Flag Beach Award restored to North Beach this week following improved bathing water quality over the last two years.
“TCS Working Group members were bitterly disappointed to hear about the pollution incident reported on July 1,” stated Cllr Whitehurst.
“It is frustrating that this would not have happened had Dŵr Cymru acted promptly to fix the problem when it was first identified.”
He explained that at the group’s last meeting, the rising main located at the pumping station at the Salterns to the Wastewater Treatment Works at Gumfreston, was identified as a ‘high-risk pollution site’ by Dŵr Cymru and added to the programme of works.
“We were told that the rising main is made of fibreglass and is end-of-life,” he continued.
“Provided it is signed off in December, works to replace the rising main will be completed by 2030.
“In light of this week’s pollution incident, Tenby Town Council has asked Dŵr Cymru to prioritise the replacement of the rising main. Works should begin immediately and have a target completion date.
“Recognising that any future bursts from the rising main could have catastrophic effects on the environment and the tourism industry is crucial.
“As one of Wales’ premier tourist destinations, Dŵr Cymru must take decisive action before the rising main bursts again,” added Cllr Whitehurst.