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.

Despite Welsh Water issuing an apology for the incident, Tenby’s county councillor for the North Ward Cllr Michael Williams has 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.

County councillor for St Mary Out Liberty (New Hedges) and St Florence, Cllr Rhys Jordan has joined Tenby’s North ward county councillor in criticising the water company, following this latest incident.

“This is not an isolated incident, but rather a persistent problem that continues to plague our community, highlighting the systemic failures of Welsh Water/Dŵr Cymru,” stated Cllr Jordan.

“Welsh Water, a company that claims to operate for people, not profit, seems to disregard the real and pressing needs of Pembrokeshire's residents.

“The continual discharge of raw sewage into our coastal waters is unacceptable and poses a significant threat to both public health and our local environment.

“This issue not only affects the quality of life for residents but also jeopardises our vital tourism industry, which relies heavily on the pristine condition of our beaches.

“Moreover, Welsh Water's failure extends beyond the immediate crisis of sewage discharge. The company's neglect of the phosphate issue is stalling development across Wales, including our region.

“Phosphate pollution is a serious environmental concern that hampers sustainable development and the growth of our communities,” continued Cllr Jordan.

“The lack of proactive measures and acknowledgement from Welsh Water on this matter further underscores their inability to meet the needs of Pembrokeshire.

“The residents of South Pembrokeshire deserve better. We deserve a utility company that is genuinely committed to protecting our environment, supporting sustainable development, and prioritising public health.

“Welsh Water must take immediate and decisive action to address these ongoing issues. We need transparent communication, effective solutions, and a long-term commitment to the well-being of our communities.

“It's time for Welsh Water to step up and fulfil its responsibility to the people of Pembrokeshire. Our beaches, our health, and our future depend on it,” he added.

A Welsh Water spokesperson said on Tuesday 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.”

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.

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