Welsh Water are working to repair a damaged sewer pipe on land by Clickett Lane in Tenby after Natural Resources Wales issued a pollution warning for all of Tenby’s beaches on Monday evening.

Natural Resources Wales stated on 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.

Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water 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.

NRW has declared an abnormal situation, as defined by the Bathing Water Regulations, at the following designated bathing waters: Tenby South Beach; Castle Beach; Tenby North Beach; Penally Beach.

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.”

Tenby’s county councillor for the North Ward Cllr Michael Williams has told Pembrokeshire County Council that prosecution needs considering.

“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.”

Suspected pollution can be reported to NRW by calling the 24/7 incident hotline on 03000 65 3000 or online via the Report It page.

Information about where to find designated bathing waters, and the standard of bathing water is available on the Bathing Water Quality page.