In 2022, six of the top 10 areas in the UK with the most sewage discharges into rivers and waterways were located in Wales. From Neath, to Powys, to the north Wales coast, sewage was dumped into rivers and waterways for more than 300,000 hours.
Earlier this year, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, was downgraded to a two-star rating for not getting to grips with pollution incidents. In total, the company was responsible for 89 sewage pollution incidents in 2022. Despite this, Dŵr Cymru announced price rises in 2022, making the average bill in Wales the second highest anywhere in Wales and England.
Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds MS said:
“It’s disgraceful that six out of the 10 areas with the most sewage discharges into rivers were in Wales last year. That’s bad news for our environment, wildlife, and all those who enjoy our rivers.
“The Conservatives in Westminster have refused to take action against river pollution, and Labour Ministers in Cardiff Bay have failed to step and take Dwr Cymru to task on our polluted rivers and rising water bills.
“It’s time for a shakeup and Labour Ministers in Cardiff Bay must get to grips with Dwr Cymru’s failure to protect our rivers.”
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