STORM HAS HIT WELSH BEACHES
AS Storm Evert hit Wales many beaches suffered pollution from sewer overspills meaning the water was not safe to swim or surf in, according to the organisation Surfers Against Sewage (SAS).
It has since issued warnings on its website and app, advising holidaymakers and locals against going into the sea at certain beaches. The warning comes after flooding and up to 48mph winds blasted Wales, particularly on the south coast.
The beaches affected are currently on the south and west coast of Wales.
This information is correct at the time of publication; however, warnings and advice may have changed since.
■ Langland Bay
The west side of the bay has been particularly affected by the pollution and there is also Langland Pumping Station which can discharge when overflowing.
■ Caswell Bay
This Gower beach that is loved by families is also experiencing storm sewage from an overflow in the past 48 hours, says SAS. There are no sewage treatment outfalls at Caswell, with the closest being Bishopston Sewage Treatment Works that discharges at the next bay over, Brandy Cove.
■ Swansea Bay
SAS says it’s best to stay out of the water at Swansea Bay as storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in the past 48 hours.
Swansea Bay can have pollution risks as many sewers overflow discharge into the sea here alongside those that discharge into the River Tawe, according to SAS.
■ Wisemans Bridge
Moving further west now into Pembrokeshire lots of beaches have been polluted due to recent stormy weather, according to SAS. Currently, storm sewage is said to have been discharged from a sewer overflow in the past 48 hours, which has happened here before after heavy rainfall.
■ Saundersfoot Beach - Just up the coast from Wisemans Bridge is Saundersfoot Beach, a popular holiday destination that is being affected by pollution after a storm sewer overflow.
■ Tenby
South Beach. Another popular holiday beach in Pembrokeshire that has been affected is the Tenby South Beach, which has seen pollution from sewer overflow after the storm, says SAS. Tenby North Beach is currently unaffected by the pollution.
While within the Tenby area there are a few sewage outfalls, this is biologically treated with ultraviolet light to help protect and conserve the water, says SAS.
■ Tenby Castle Beach
The smallest of Tenby’s three beaches, SAS says Tenby Castle Beach has also suffered from storm sewer discharge due to sewer overflow in the past 48 hours.
■ Lydstep Beach
This pebble and sand beach is great for sea fishing, swimming, and watersports; however, it is advised you hold off going into the sea here as there has been storm sewer overflow in the past 48 hours, says SAS.
■ Manorbier Beach
Manorbier beach currently has had sewer overflow discharges from the storm for the past 48 hours as well as the sewer overflow discharge at the south end of the beach, adds the SAS website.
■ Barafundle Bay
This award-winning beach that has often been compared to the Caribbean is currently experiencing storm sewage from a sewer overflow, it is claimed. In non-stormy times there is no known pollution to affect this beach
■ Freshwater East Beach
This wide beach known for its golden sands and sand dunes has had sewage from storms discharged in the last 48 hours, says SAS. Other than the storm sewage there is no other pollution warning in place for this beach.
■ Newport North Beach
Further north in Pembrokeshire, Newport North Beach also has an SAS warning not to go in the sea as there is a likelihood of reduced water quality.
Recently a new sewage treatment works discharges into the sea, roughly 700m away from the beach.
■ For more information about the pollution at Welsh beaches reported here, visit Surfers Against Sewage www.sas.org.uk