TENS of thousands of cubic metres of untreated sewage has been dumped into the Cleddau river in Wales, campaigners reported today.

Volunteers from The Cleddau Project (TCP) documented multiple incidents of sewage being discharged from a sewage overflow pipe in Picton. 

It found that 55,814 cubic metres of untreated sewage flowed into the river last year due to faulty pumps that remained unrepaired for nine months, posing significant risks to aquatic ecosystems and public health in the conservation area.

Campaigners said that although it submitted numerous reports on their findings, enforcement by regulator Natural Resources Wales (NRW) was “limited.”

They went on to file information requests to Welsh Water – which operates the pump – and obtained performance data.

Its analysis found that the pumps at Picton Playing Fields had significantly underperformed for at least 18 months. 

This meant untreated sewage that should have been transported to the Merlins Bridge sewage treatment plant was instead being directly discharged into the river.

NRW, which classed the incident as “minor,” eventually took action during a compliance visit last June, although the pumps were not replaced until the following March. 

TCP has however raised concerns that the case could indicate wider issues with pump maintenance at other facilities. 

Ric Cooper, a spokesperson for the group, said: “Our investigation highlights the urgent need for a major overhaul in NRW’s regulatory practices. 

“Timely response to public reports, swift action on sensor data, and immediate repair of faulty equipment could have prevented much of this pollution.”

Huwel Manley of NRW said: “As well as pushing for record levels of investment for the environment during the next investment period, we are also strengthening and increasing our front-line capacity for water company regulation.

“This will allow us to be more responsive to emerging issues.”

It reported that Welsh Water informed it that the pumps would be installed by October 31, prompting the firm to be issued a Compliance Assessment Report, with another filed again when it failed to meet its deadline.