On the same day that Pembrokeshire County Council issued a press release bigging up its ‘Blue Flag’ beaches - Welsh Water were issuing an apology for a potential pollution risk to all of Tenby’s beaches in light of a damaged sewer pipe which has resulted in sewage entering the River Ritec.

The Local Authority said on Monday morning that Pembrokeshire has once again underlined its status as home to some of the best beaches in Wales following another successful year of awards, with seventeen beaches picking up either Blue Flag or Green Coast Awards in the Wales Coast Awards 2024.

Tenby North beach has finally regained its Blue Flag status after it had been downgraded in recent years, due to sewage.

Tenby’s South and Castle beaches have also been awarded the ‘Blue Flag’ - recognised around the world as a symbol of quality.

Also proudly flying the Blue Flag for 2024 are: Saundersfoot, Coppet Hall, Newgale, Dale, Whitesands, Poppit Sands and Broad Haven (north).

A further seven county beaches also achieved Green Coast Awards.

The Green Coast Awards recognise the ‘hidden gems’ of the coastline which also have excellent quality of water but not the same level of infrastructure as traditional seaside resorts.

The Green Coast Awards went to Abereiddy, Freshwater East, Manorbier, Penally, Caerfai, Druidston and West Angle Bay.

Pembrokeshire County Council Leisure Services Manager, Gary Nicholas, said: “We are extremely pleased to have matched last year’s results with 17 of our fantastic beaches again being recognised in the Wales Coast Awards.

“This doesn’t happen by accident, it underlines the year-round efforts to maintain our beaches and keep the Pembrokeshire coastline a brilliant place to live and visit.”

However, by Monday evening, he was issuing rather worrying information to county councillors in Tenby of a sewer leak issue that has fed into the Ritec potentially affecting all of Tenby’s beaches, with the need for red flag and warning notices to be issued, advising people that there is an increased risk of water pollution for the next 48 hours.

Despite Welsh Water issuing an apology for the incident, Tenby’s county councillor for the North Ward Cllr Michael Williams told Pembrokeshire County Council that the company should be prosecuted for a potential ‘environmental catastrophe’.

“Given the potential seriousness of this spill just before the peak of the tourist season, together with the potential loss of the Blue Flag status, something that has only recently been reinstated, I hope PCC will actively consider prosecuting Dŵr Cymru,” stated Cllr Williams.

“Recent events show that the enforcement agency NRW appear totally ineffective in bringing this company to account. PCC should initiate legal action against the company at the earliest opportunity.

“The company tells the general public that it is a ‘not for profit’ company, but this isn't surprising given the level of executive remuneration. These directors should be brought to book for yet another potential environmental catastrophe,” he added.

A Welsh Water spokesperson said this morning (July 2): “We are working to repair a damaged sewer pipe on land by Clickett Lane, Tenby, after our crews discovered a burst yesterday. The pipe was quickly isolated to prevent any further pollution and the matter was promptly reported to Natural Resources Wales.

“The repair is underway and we will need to manage this work safely. We will keep customers and the local community updated but we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”

Andrea Winterton, Duty Manager for Natural Resources Wales said: “Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has informed us of a burst rising main near Tenby which has resulted in sewage entering the River Ritec.

“The rising main has been isolated so there should be no further pollution into the river from the burst pipe.

“Due to the potential for the pollution to impact the downstream bathing waters, we’ve declared an abnormal situation and informed Pembrokeshire County Council who will place signs at the beaches to warn people of the potential pollution risk.”

Nathan Miles, Pembrokeshire County Council Public Protection Manager, said: “Officers from the Council’s Pollution Control Team have been working closely with Natural Resources Wales and liaising with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water following notification of this incident.

“As required by the abnormal situation declaration, the Council will place signs on the potentially affected beaches, Penally and Tenby, North, South and Castle beaches on Tuesday morning.

“We understand that the spill is under control and Officers will continue to assess the situation alongside NRW as further information is received.”