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According to new data released by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Welsh Water has seen an increase in sewage pollution incidents over the past 10 years. The figures show that in 2024, the water company was responsible for a total of 155 pollution incidents, with 23 related to water supply and 132 to sewerage. This marks a 42% increase in incidents compared to the past decade. NRW has urged Dwr Cymru Welsh Water to make urgent and fundamental changes to its operations, citing a significant deterioration in the company’s performance since 2020.
While there has been a decrease in water supply incidents in recent years, sewage incidents have been on the rise. In 2022, there were 89 sewage incidents, which increased to 107 in 2023 and further to 132 in 2024. Of the total incidents, Welsh Water was responsible for six serious category one or two incidents, down from seven the previous year. Analysis over the last 10 years revealed that the main sources of incidents were foul sewers, storm overflows, and water treatment works.
Despite repeated warnings and interventions, Welsh Water has struggled to reverse the concerning trend of pollution incidents. Nadia De Longhi, head of regulation and permitting at NRW, emphasized the importance of addressing the root cause of these incidents and implementing preventative measures. NRW plans to increase monitoring and auditing capacities for discharges, crackdown on unpermitted storm overflows, and enforce stricter criteria for annual performance reporting to prevent further environmental damage.
In response to the report, a Welsh Water spokesperson acknowledged the industry-wide increase in pollution incidents across the UK and expressed a commitment to addressing the concerns raised. The company highlighted improvements in processes, such as better monitoring and reporting to detect short-lived events. Welsh Water stated that they are accelerating investment in key areas to reduce pollution incidents through a £4 billion investment program, with £2.5 billion allocated to environmental projects. They remain dedicated to collaborating with NRW to deliver improvements and implement new requirements and guidance to minimize pollution incidents
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