Natural Resources Wales is investigating a pollution incident at a permitted private sewage treatment discharge point in Wiseman’s Bridge, after a Public Health Warning was issued on Wednesday (August 24) for the Pembrokeshire beach.

Signage has been erected on Wiseman’s Bridge beach by Pembrokeshire County Council warning of a pollution incident, with a spokesperson for the Local Authority stating “We are advising the public of a suspected sewage pollution incident at Wiseman’s Bridge.

“The discharge could potentially affect the bathing water quality. There is an increased risk of infection. The beach remains open.”

A spokesperson from Natural Resources Wales said today (Thursday): “Keeping rivers and bathing waters clean and safe for people and wildlife is an important part of the work that we do.

“We’re investigating a pollution incident at a permitted private sewage treatment discharge point in Wiseman’s Bridge. The issue is currently being resolved and Pembrokeshire County Council has put up signs at Wiseman’s Bridge beach to warn the public that the bathing water quality may be affected.

“We were also informed by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water that a permitted storm overflow discharged upstream of Wiseman’s Bridge near Kilgetty and also near Stackpole following heavy rain overnight on Tuesday, which may affect the water quality downstream.

“We issue permits to allow sewers to overflow during heavy rain – particularly where there is a risk that the volume of water could overwhelm the wastewater network and impact homes and property.”

“We have a programme in place with water companies in Wales to investigate and rectify any issues with their storm overflows. We assess whether there is an environmental impact from the discharges and require the appropriate investment to deliver improvements to the wastewater infrastructure.

“We want all water companies to meet the expectations of their customers and the needs of our environment. We will continue to challenge the water companies to make sure storm overflows are properly controlled. We will investigate and where appropriate take the required enforcement action,” they added.

Commenting on the Wiseman’s Bridge pollution incident, Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “This is an incredibly concerning situation – we cannot have sewage pollution in our waterways.

“Whatever the cause of this pollution incident, sewage negatively affects the quality of our bathing waters, increasing infection risk while also affecting wildlife. Whilst the beach remains open, people must take extra care.

“National Resources Wales must take the necessary action needed to protect public health and investigate what caused this pollution incident.

“Welsh Government also need to step up and get to grips with pollution in our waterways, as this is their responsibility,” he added.