THE SEWAGE pollution crisis engulfing West Wales continues to deepen, with new data and growing public pressure exposing serious environmental failures across multiple river catchments — including the River Teifi and the Cleddau.

Teifi among UK’s most polluted rivers

According to 2024 monitoring data, the River Teifi now has been ranked the fifth most sewage-polluted river in the UK, suffering 2,232 discharges lasting a combined 22,288 hours. The discharges, all recorded by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, underscore the dire state of the region’s infrastructure and regulation.

Meanwhile, Ceredigion emerged as the most sewage-polluted area in England and Wales, with 8,252 discharges lasting 94,836 hours—an unprecedented scale of pollution that has alarmed residents, politicians, and environmental groups alike.

Cleddau declared worst-performing SAC river in Wales

Concerns have also intensified in Pembrokeshire, where the Cleddau River has now been classified by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) as the worst-performing Special Area of Conservation (SAC) river in Wales, failing to meet environmental standards across key metrics. The designation has triggered political mobilisation and grassroots activism.

The Cleddau River Project and Surfers Against Sewage have been particularly prominent.

A public meeting held last month at Haverfordwest Rugby Club last week drew more than 150 concerned residents, bringing together politicians, scientists, campaigners, and regulators to discuss solutions. Organised by local advocacy group The Cleddau Project, the event was chaired by Henry Tufnell MP, who vowed to raise the issue in Westminster.

“The Cleddau is a vital natural resource, and last night’s discussion highlighted the urgent need for action,” said Tufnell. “The insight shared by our expert panel and members of the community reinforced the importance of tackling pollution at its source and ensuring our regulatory bodies are held accountable. I will be raising these issues in Parliament and pushing for stronger regulations and enforcement.”

Campaign leader Ric Cooper, of The Cleddau Project, added: “It was encouraging to see so many people engaged in this discussion, but we need to ensure that words translate into concrete action.”

Residents raised concerns about illegal discharges, agricultural runoff, and what they described as a systemic failure of enforcement by authorities.

At the meeting Jennifer Grubb from Welsh Water said: “We can do better. We need to do better.”

Political pressure mounts

Across West Wales, political figures are now facing increasing scrutiny. The Welsh Liberal Democrats have lambasted both Welsh Labour and the UK Conservative Government for what they describe as regulatory complacency.

Sandra Jervis, Welsh Lib Dem Senedd candidate for Ceredigion, said: “Welsh Labour has remained asleep at the wheel—using Dŵr Cymru’s status as an arm’s-length body as an excuse to avoid proper regulation and accountability. Residents deserve transparency and action.”

Party leader Jane Dodds MS added: “The Welsh Labour Government must get to grips with this crisis, properly regulate Welsh Water, and ensure there are real, enforceable punishments for breaking the rules and damaging our waterways.”

Welsh Water responds

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has attributed the vast number of discharges to the limitations of outdated rural infrastructure and reliance on Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs).

A company spokesperson said: “We acknowledge the public concern and are committed to transparency and improvement. We’ve pledged £2.5 billion over the next five years, including £889 million specifically to improve storm overflows, to meet the challenges of climate change and aging infrastructure.”

Despite this, the company’s environmental record remains under intense scrutiny.

Regulatory failings and rising enforcement

Natural Resources Wales reported 107 sewage pollution incidents involving Welsh Water in 2023, with the number of serious incidents increasing from five to seven. Meanwhile, Ofwat has launched enforcement actions against all water companies in England and Wales, including Dŵr Cymru, amid growing concern that routine sewage releases have become normalised.

Impact on health and ecosystems

The effects are being felt far beyond the water’s edge. Campaign group Surfers Against Sewage reported 1,853 illness cases in 2024 linked to contaminated waters across the UK, many of them in Wales. Tourists and locals have also raised alarm over poor water quality at beaches in Cardigan Bay, New Quay, and along the Cleddau estuary.

The ecological cost has been severe. Local groups such as Save the Teifi have warned of dead fish, algae blooms, and collapsing biodiversity. “This is ecological vandalism,” said campaigner Lowri James. “Our rivers are dying before our eyes.”

From the Teifi to the Cleddau, the evidence is now overwhelming: sewage pollution is not confined to one catchment or one company—it is a widespread crisis demanding national attention. With communities, scientists, and politicians increasingly aligned in their calls for change, the question now is whether those in power will act before irreversible damage is done.

Cover image:

Surfers against sewage at Broad Haven in May 2024 (Image: Martin Cavaney)

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have confirmed that Isabelle and Daniel, who were reported missing from the Cardigan area, have been found safe and well.

A spokesperson said: “We are pleased to confirm that Isabelle and Daniel have been located. Thank you to everyone who shared our appeal.”

The force had issued a public appeal earlier this week in a bid to locate the pair, prompting widespread concern and support across the community.

Graduation ceremony marks end of 14-week training course

ELEVEN new Wholetime Firefighters have officially joined Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) following a graduation ceremony held at the Service’s Earlswood Training Centre on Wednesday (Apr 16).

The new recruits, collectively known as Squad 01/25, completed an intensive 14-week training programme, culminating in a formal Passing Out Parade attended by proud family, friends and senior fire service personnel.

The ceremony was opened by Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas KFSM and featured a full Parade of Recruits, Drill Yard Displays and presentations of awards and certificates. The recruits were inspected by Chief Fire Officer Thomas, Councillor Gwynfor Thomas (Chair of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority), and Group Manager Stuart Bate, Head of Training Delivery.

Speaking at the event, Stuart Bate praised the dedication and determination shown by the new firefighters:

“From the first day of their training, they have exhibited courage, discipline, and determination to uphold the noblest traditions of the Fire Service.
They have demonstrated exceptional resilience, and have embraced the values of teamwork, integrity, and selflessness that define our profession.”

Chief Fire Officer Thomas added: “We celebrated the remarkable achievements made by these 11 dedicated individuals who have undergone fourteen weeks of rigorous training.
As an integral part of Wales’ emergency response infrastructure, MAWWFRS exemplifies professionalism and unwavering dedication to public safety – and you are now an essential part of this work.”

Award Winners

As part of the ceremony, several recruits were recognised for their outstanding performance during the course:

• Physical Fitness Achievement Award: Awarded to Kallum Richards for exceptional effort and commitment to fitness throughout the course.
• Recruits’ Recruit Award: Chosen by fellow recruits, this award went to Rhys Tucker for demonstrating consistent support and leadership within the group.
• Highest-Achieving Recruit (Silver Axe Award): Presented to Llion Jones for exemplary performance across all aspects of training, including practical skills, exams, leadership, and teamwork.

Each graduate received a framed certificate presented by Chief Fire Officer Thomas to mark the successful completion of their training.

The new firefighters will now begin their careers across various stations within the Mid and West Wales region. The Service extended its congratulations to all members of Squad 01/25, wishing them long and successful careers in the Fire and Rescue Service.