Tawe one of the most sewage filled in the UK

An analysis of the sewage dumping statistics released by Welsh Water/Dŵr Cymru has revealed that the River Tawe is one of the most sewage filled in the entire UK. 

The stats have sparked an angry response from the Welsh Liberal Democrats who have accused Labour of not doing enough to tackle the issue.

The latest figures show sewage was dumped in the River Tawe 1,818 times in 2022, lasting 13,981 hours. This means that the River is the sixth most sewage filled in the entire UK.

Swansea Bay was also the 13th most polluted beach in the UK with 470 sewage dumps totalling 2,498 hours, an increase on the previous year.

Welsh Liberal Democrat, Cllr Sam Bennett, said: “Sewage dumping poses a serious risk to local wildlife and human health and is potentially damaging the region’s tourism industry. The Welsh Labour Government is not doing enough to tackle the issue and hold Welsh Water to account.”

“I asked the Cabinet member at Swansea Council what conversations they have had to get action on Welsh Water’s pollution.” 
“Over the 3 years Welsh Water bosses have received over £1 million in bonuses including almost £400,000 last year. There should be a ban on bonuses for water company executives so the money can be reinvested in improving infrastructure.”