Pollution risk at Tenby bathing waters following incident

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) 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

Andrea Winterton, Duty Manager for NRW 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.”

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.