#dwrcymru — Public Fediverse posts on home.social

ƧƿѦςɛ♏ѦਹѤʞ @[email protected] · 2026-08-10 · 18:00 UTC

Not being a native of the area I occasionally find that the Welsh language slows down various activities. I was, however, unaware of its direct physical effect upon the operations of the local water supply infrastructure.
https://www.dwrcymru.com/en/drought/hosepipe-ban
(Is this an award-winning level typo?)

#typo #malapropism #hosepipeban #Wales #Welsh #ColemanBalls #DŵrCymru #WelshWater #language

#typo #malapropism #hosepipeban #wales #welsh #colemanballs

ƧƿѦςɛ♏ѦਹѤʞ @[email protected] · 2026-08-10 · 18:00 UTC

Not being a native of the area I occasionally find that the Welsh language slows down various activities. I was, however, unaware of its direct physical effect upon the operations of the local water supply infrastructure.
https://www.dwrcymru.com/en/drought/hosepipe-ban
(Is this an award-winning level typo?)

#typo #malapropism #hosepipeban #Wales #Welsh #ColemanBalls #DŵrCymru #WelshWater #language

#typo #malapropism #hosepipeban #wales #welsh #colemanballs

ƧƿѦςɛ♏ѦਹѤʞ @[email protected] · 2026-08-10 · 18:00 UTC

Not being a native of the area I occasionally find that the Welsh language slows down various activities. I was, however, unaware of its direct physical effect upon the operations of the local water supply infrastructure.
https://www.dwrcymru.com/en/drought/hosepipe-ban
(Is this an award-winning level typo?)

#typo #malapropism #hosepipeban #Wales #Welsh #ColemanBalls #DŵrCymru #WelshWater #language

#typo #malapropism #hosepipeban #wales #welsh #colemanballs

ƧƿѦςɛ♏ѦਹѤʞ @[email protected] · 2026-08-10 · 18:00 UTC

Not being a native of the area I occasionally find that the Welsh language slows down various activities. I was, however, unaware of its direct physical effect upon the operations of the local water supply infrastructure.
https://www.dwrcymru.com/en/drought/hosepipe-ban
(Is this an award-winning level typo?)

#typo #malapropism #hosepipeban #Wales #Welsh #ColemanBalls #DŵrCymru #WelshWater #language

#language #welshwater #dwrcymru #colemanballs #welsh #wales

Kit Peters @[email protected] · 2026-07-18 · 09:15 UTC

HOSEPIPE BAN: West Wales ban starts 10am Sunday — and it’s not because the reservoirs are running dry

A hosepipe ban comes into force across parts of west Wales at 10am on Sunday, Welsh Water has confirmed — covering around 33,000 properties, including communities in north Carmarthenshire and north Pembrokeshire.

The move was signalled on Friday, when the company warned restrictions were likely this weekend — and the ban has now been formally announced under a public notice issued on Saturday.

But the company says this is not a traditional drought ban: its reservoirs are not running low.

Instead, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water says the problem is the pace of demand — its treatment works cannot make clean drinking water quickly enough to keep up with what customers are using during the prolonged hot spell.

“Unlike a traditional drought-related hosepipe ban, this is a demand-led, short-term measure,” the company said, designed to reduce peak use, ease pressure on the local network and keep supplies reliable while the hot weather lasts.

In Carmarthenshire, the ban covers Farmers, Pencader and Hermon — while the wider affected area also takes in Llandysul and stretches towards Newcastle Emlyn on the county’s northern edge.

In Pembrokeshire, the communities affected are Crymych, Eglwyswrw, Nevern, Newport, Llanfyrnach, Tegryn and Star.

The bulk of the ban area lies across mid and south Ceredigion, including Aberaeron, New Quay, Lampeter, Tregaron, Llandysul and Aberporth — with Welsh Water publishing a postcode checker so customers can confirm whether their property is included.

The area covered by the ban from 10am on Sunday (Image: Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water)

Under the ban, hosepipes — including sprinklers, dripper hoses and automatic irrigation systems — cannot be used to water gardens or plants, clean cars, boats, windows, paths or patios, or to fill paddling pools, ponds, fountains or hot tubs, with filling a hot tub classed as recreational use under the notice. Water slides are also covered — and the vehicle ban extends to taxis and minicabs, which count as private motor vehicles.

The same jobs can still be done with a bucket or watering can — and water that does not come from the mains, such as rainwater from a water butt or a private borehole, can still be used through a hosepipe.

There are exceptions: Blue Badge holders and customers on Welsh Water’s Priority Services Register who cannot safely follow the ban for health reasons can continue using a hosepipe without seeking permission.

Newly laid turf can be watered by hosepipe for its first 28 days, trees and hedging planted within the last three years are exempt where a watering can is not reasonable, and the same applies to food crops — while businesses cleaning cars, windows or boats as a service to customers can carry on.

Among the more unusual exceptions: a hosepipe can be used to remove graffiti from a home where the graffiti is a hate crime or offensive — and pools and fountains at places of worship can be filled when used as part of a religious ceremony.

The hosepipe ban at a glance

❌ Not allowed with a hosepipe✅ Still allowedWatering the garden, lawn or plants — including sprinklers and irrigation systemsWatering with a bucket or watering canWashing the car — including taxis and minicabsWashing the car with a bucket and sponge, or paying a business to do itCleaning windows, walls, paths, patios or deckingCleaning them with a bucket — or a window cleaner doing it as a businessFilling paddling pools, swimming pools, hot tubs or water slidesTopping up a fish pond to keep fish healthyFilling ponds and ornamental fountainsRainwater from a water butt — through a hosepipe is fineUsing a hosepipe connected to the mains for any of the aboveGrey water, borehole water — and hosepipe use by Blue Badge holders and Priority Services customers who need it

The area’s network is supplied by the Teifi Pools reservoirs on the western edge of the Cambrian Mountains and water taken from the River Teifi at Llechryd — and the company says moving water in from other parts of Wales is not practical because of the terrain and the cost of pumping large volumes across country.

The Mid & South Ceredigion operating area is the only one under restrictions (Image: Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water)

Demand has stayed significantly higher than normal for several weeks, it says, despite treatment works running at maximum capacity — with the pressure sharpest during the busiest parts of the day, when local storage tanks cannot refill fast enough.

The company says its teams are currently fixing around 700 leaks a week across Wales, with rezoning and tankers being used to move water into high-demand areas and production increased at treatment works.

The restrictions are described as a temporary emergency measure, to be lifted “as soon as temperatures fall, demand returns to more normal levels and the network is operating sustainably again”.

The prohibitions take effect under sections 76 and 76A–C of the Water Industry Act 1991 and remain in force until further notice — with anyone wanting to make formal representations against them needing to write to the company or email [email protected] by 9am on Sunday, one hour before the ban begins.

The company thanked customers for the efforts already made, saying that by avoiding non-essential use, “customers can help protect supplies for everyone during this exceptional period”.

Anyone unsure whether their property is affected can check their postcode at dwrcymru.com/en/drought/hosepipe-ban.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

HOSEPIPE BAN: Welsh Water warns restrictions likely this weekend for 33,000 homes
Friday’s warning that the ban was coming.

Rescue your summer garden with our hosepipe ban survival guide
How to keep plants alive without a hosepipe.

Hosepipe ban lifted in Pembrokeshire — but residents warned to ‘use water wisely’
How the last west Wales ban ended.

#DwrCymru #DŵrCymru #featured #hosepipeBan #WelshWater

#dwrcymru #featured #hosepipeban #welshwater

Kit Peters @[email protected] · 2026-06-11 · 18:00 UTC

KENFIG: ‘Unacceptable’ — Welsh Water under investigation over sewage pollution of River Kenfig

Welsh Water is under formal investigation over a string of pollution incidents that have caused “significant” damage to the River Kenfig — including to the Kenfig National Nature Reserve.

Natural Resources Wales says the environmental impact of repeated sewage discharges into the river is “unacceptable” — and has told the water company it expects a clean-up of affected stretches along with a long-term plan to restore the river’s biodiversity.

The problems centre on the Marlas Sewage Pumping Station near North Cornelly and its 9km rising main, which carries sewage to the Afan Wastewater Treatment Works in Port Talbot.

The pipeline has suffered recurring bursts since August 2023, leading to multiple pollution incidents — before the situation escalated in February this year with a continuous discharge from the pumping station itself.

That forced Welsh Water — Dŵr Cymru — to commission a temporary sewage treatment plant at the site, while the discharges continued to flow into the river, causing pollution, odour and harm to fish and other wildlife downstream.

The continuous discharge finally stopped on Tuesday, after the company completed a temporary overland pipeline to bypass the failing main.

But NRW warns there “remains the potential for additional incidents” until the infrastructure problems are fully fixed — and says it is building a case that could lead to enforcement action.

Huwel Manley, NRW’s head of operations for south west Wales, said: “This issue is extremely serious. The scale of environmental impact on the River Kenfig is unacceptable, and we understand the concern and frustration this has caused for local communities, as well as the damage to wildlife and the wider environment, including Kenfig National Nature Reserve.

“We are undertaking detailed investigations into these incidents and will take the appropriate action in line with our Enforcement and Sanctions Policy.”

He said the regulator could not share detailed information during the formal investigation, as disclosure “could risk prejudicing any enforcement outcome”.

“But we want people to be assured that we are closely monitoring the situation as we build our case,” he said. “Our officers are attending the site regularly to undertake important monitoring work, to continually assess the environmental impact and are ensuring DCWW delivers the necessary improvements.

“We have informed DCWW that we expect them to undertake remedial work to clean up affected stretches of the River Kenfig along with a plan for longer term enhancement of the river and its biodiversity.”

The Marlas station operates under a discharge permit allowing storm sewage or emergency discharges only within specific criteria — and NRW says its investigation is assessing suspected breaches of those permit conditions across each incident.

Welsh Water, which operates the site, is responsible for meeting the permit conditions and managing the impact of the discharges.

The investigation lands with Welsh Water already under intense scrutiny over its environmental record — just last week the company confirmed a £44.7m sewage improvement package, dismissed by critics as too little, too late.

Earlier this month, the First Minister ordered an investigation into the River Tawe after sewage and sickness concerns were raised in the Senedd.

And in May, new data revealed the company’s worst decade for pollution — prompting protesters to rally at Caswell Bay.

In response, Welsh Water said it is replacing 6km and renewing 3km of sewer main in the Kenfig and Port Talbot area at a cost of more than £13m, “following the escalated deterioration of the current main”.

A spokesperson said: “To minimise the impact this had on the environment, we installed a full wastewater treatment process at Marlas Sewage Pumping Station.

“This was done while 4.9km of temporary overland pipe was laid to link to the treatment works in Port Talbot. This has been operational since Monday and the spill to the Kenfig, which consisted of water treated at the temporary works, has ceased.”

The company said it was looking at “a river recovery plan for the Kenfig and the wider catchment” to improve biodiversity and restore water quality — with an aeration system remaining in the river around the clock to increase oxygen levels and support fish and wildlife.

“We are continuing to work with NRW, who are being provided with results from our sampling in the river,” the spokesperson added. “We would like to apologise to the community for the disruption this work is causing and for the impact we have had on the local environment.”

NRW says it will keep the community updated through a dedicated incident webpage.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

WELSH WATER: £44.7m sewage package confirmed — but critics say it is too little, too late
The company’s investment plans and the criticism that followed.

RIVER TAWE: First Minister orders investigation after sewage and sickness concerns raised in Senedd
The Tawe inquiry ordered after concerns were raised in the chamber.

GOWER: Protesters to rally at Caswell Bay — as new data reveals Welsh Water’s worst decade for pollution
The pollution figures that brought protesters to one of Swansea’s Blue Flag beaches.

TENBY: MP demands Welsh Water answers after boy hospitalised swimming in sea
North Beach lost its Blue Flag for a third time as questions mounted.

#AfanWastewaterTreatmentWorks #DwrCymru #Kenfig #MarlasSewagePumpingStation #NaturalResourcesWales #NorthCornelly #NRW #pollution #RiverKenfig #riverPollution #WelshWater

#afanwastewatertreatmentworks #dwrcymru #kenfig #marlassewagepumpingstation #naturalresourceswales #northcornelly

Kit Peters @[email protected] · 2026-03-12 · 10:27 UTC

Welsh Water told to pay £45m for ‘unacceptable’ sewage failures

Water regulator Ofwat said its investigation found the not-for-profit company had failed to adequately operate, maintain, and upgrade its wastewater assets.

It also found that Welsh Water’s senior management and Board failed to have proper oversight to ensure the company was meeting its legal requirements.

In response, Welsh Water has apologised and accepted the findings, agreeing to a redress package that will fund environmental improvements rather than being paid from customer bills.

Lynn Parker, Senior Director for Enforcement at Ofwat, said the investigation had uncovered significant failings.

“Our investigation has found serious and unacceptable breaches in how Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has operated and maintained its sewage works and networks, which has resulted in excessive spills from storm overflows to the environment,” she said.

“We now expect them to focus on putting things right so that customers can regain trust in their water company and the critical service they provide.”

Ofwat said the £44.7m package will be funded from Welsh Water’s retained profits, as the company does not have shareholders.

The bulk of the money – £40.6 million – will be targeted at reducing spills at specific overflows and tackling groundwater seeping into the sewer network, which is a major cause of frequent spills.

A further £4.1 million will be invested to improve river water quality, including a new £1 million ‘Cymuned Natur’ fund to support local environmental groups.

Welsh Water said it had already started a “major transformation programme” to improve performance and strengthen oversight.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We accept the findings of Ofwat’s investigation and apologise for where we have fallen short of the standards that our customers and regulators rightly expect from us.”

“We have already taken steps to strengthen our governance, oversight and compliance arrangements as part of a wider transformation programme across the business.”

The company added that the redress package was in addition to the £4.2 billion it is investing between 2025 and 2030, with £2.5 billion of that dedicated to environmental improvements.

Ofwat’s investigation into Welsh Water is the seventh case in a wider probe into the wastewater sector, which has now resulted in enforcement packages totalling over £300 million.

A public consultation on the proposed enforcement package is now open and will close on April 2.

#DwrCymru #Environment #Ofwat #sewage #waterPollution #WelshWater

#dwrcymru #environment #ofwat #sewage #waterpollution #welshwater

Kit Peters @[email protected] · 2025-11-18 · 13:15 UTC

Welsh Government says South West Wales bathing waters rated ‘excellent’ – but sewage and pollution issues cast shadow

The 2025 results, published this week, show that 98% of bathing waters across Wales met strict environmental standards following monitoring by Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Officials say the findings demonstrate the resilience of Wales’s beaches and the success of ongoing efforts to protect water quality.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca‑Davies said the results reflected “our commitment to protecting water quality” and praised communities and partners for working together towards a cleaner Wales.

Mary Lewis, Head of Natural Resource Management at NRW, added:

“Our wonderful beaches and bathing waters are an important part of Wales’s identity and culture… The results reflect the dedication of our teams, partners, environmental groups and communities who protect and care for our environment.”

Local results at a glance

AreaBeaches rated ‘Excellent’Other classificationsSwanseaLangland, Caswell, Bracelet Bay, RhossiliSwansea Bay – GoodNeath Port TalbotAberafan Beach–CarmarthenshirePembrey, Pendine Sands–PembrokeshireTenby South, Castle Beach, Freshwater West, Barafundle, Newgale, Whitesands (plus many more)–Bridgend CountyTrecco Bay, Sandy Bay, Rest Bay (Porthcawl)–

Sewage spills and enforcement fines temper the good news

While the classifications are positive, they come against a backdrop of ongoing public concern about water quality.

Residents in Gower have repeatedly voiced frustration over sewage spills affecting popular beaches, saying they feel “pooped off” by the frequency of incidents. Campaigners argue that these spills undermine public confidence in official bathing water ratings.

💧 What do bathing water ratings mean?

Excellent
The highest standard. Water quality is consistently very good, giving strong reassurance for swimmers and visitors.

Good
Meets high standards but with occasional dips in quality. Still safe for bathing, though less consistent than ‘excellent’ sites.

Sufficient
Passes the minimum EU and UK requirements. Bathing is permitted, but water quality may be variable and less reliable.

Poor
Fails to meet the required standards. Official advice is against bathing due to risks to health.

Who sets the ratings?
Natural Resources Wales monitors designated bathing waters during the season (May–September) and classifies them under Welsh Government regulations.

Why it matters:
Ratings guide public health advice, tourism confidence and environmental management. They reflect long‑term monitoring, not just daily conditions.

Rivers and coastlines under pressure

Beyond the beaches, rivers in South West Wales have also been highlighted as pollution hotspots. The River Tawe was recently ranked among the most sewage‑affected in the UK, raising questions about how inland water quality connects to coastal bathing standards.

In Pembrokeshire, warnings have been issued about sewage pollution at popular beaches, prompting local MPs to challenge regulators and water companies during Welsh Affairs Committee hearings.

Calls for reform and a sewage action plan

The wider debate has led to growing political pressure. Campaigners and politicians, including Welsh MPs, have called for a national sewage action plan to tackle pollution at its source. At the same time, Welsh Government has outlined plans to overhaul water regulation, promising reforms that put “people, the environment and future generations at its heart.”

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca‑Davies acknowledged that climate change and heavy rainfall — including 170% of average levels in September — can significantly affect water quality. He said maintaining standards will require “sustained investment, innovation, and partnership working across all sectors.”

A mixed picture for South West Wales

The headline figures show South West Wales beaches performing strongly, with almost all rated ‘excellent’. But the wider context of sewage spills, enforcement fines and river pollution means the story is more complex.

For swimmers and visitors, the classifications provide reassurance about water quality at designated sites. Yet campaigners insist that behind the ratings lies a system under strain, with regulators, water companies and government facing mounting pressure to deliver lasting improvements.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Welsh Water under pressure as sewage pollution incidents hit ten‑year high
Regulators report a surge in sewage discharges, sparking calls for tougher enforcement across Wales.

Residents say they’re ‘pooped off’ with Gower sewage spills
Locals express frustration over repeated sewage incidents affecting popular beaches on the Gower peninsula.

Welsh Water fined £1.35m for over 800 breaches to sewage discharge permits
The company faces a record penalty after failing to control pollution at treatment sites across Wales.

River Tawe one of the most sewage‑filled in the UK
New analysis ranks the Tawe among Britain’s most polluted rivers, raising concerns for downstream bathing waters.

#aberafanBeach #aberavonBeach #barafundle #bathingWaterQuality #beaches #braceletBay #caswellBay #cefnSidanBeach #dwrCymru #freshwaterWest #huwIrrancaDaviesMs #langlandBay #naturalResourcesWales #newgale #pembrey #pendineSands #pollution #porthcawl #restBay #rhossiliBay #sandyBay #sewage #swanseaBay #tenby #treccoBay #waterQuality #welshGovernment #welshWater #whitesandsBeach

#aberafanbeach #aberavonbeach #barafundle #bathingwaterquality #beaches #braceletbay

RHD @[email protected] · 2025-08-08 · 14:37 UTC

One of the nicest things about coming home is drinking the first glass of Welsh water. Nothing compares - especially not the diluted chalk we’ve been straining with our teeth for the past week
#DŵrCymru

#dwrcymru

RHD @[email protected] · 2025-08-08 · 14:37 UTC

One of the nicest things about coming home is drinking the first glass of Welsh water. Nothing compares - especially not the diluted chalk we’ve been straining with our teeth for the past week
#DŵrCymru

#dwrcymru

RHD @[email protected] · 2025-08-08 · 14:37 UTC

One of the nicest things about coming home is drinking the first glass of Welsh water. Nothing compares - especially not the diluted chalk we’ve been straining with our teeth for the past week
#DŵrCymru

#dwrcymru

RHD @[email protected] · 2025-08-08 · 14:37 UTC

One of the nicest things about coming home is drinking the first glass of Welsh water. Nothing compares - especially not the diluted chalk we’ve been straining with our teeth for the past week
#DŵrCymru

#dwrcymru

RHD @[email protected] · 2025-08-08 · 14:37 UTC

One of the nicest things about coming home is drinking the first glass of Welsh water. Nothing compares - especially not the diluted chalk we’ve been straining with our teeth for the past week
#DŵrCymru

#dwrcymru

JeniParsons @JeniParsons · 2025-07-07 · 14:25 UTC

Just had the water bill which has been £5 a month and has now gone up to £17.50 with no increased usage ffs! Bastards! #DŵrCymru

#dwrcymru

JeniParsons @[email protected] · 2025-07-07 · 14:25 UTC

Just had the water bill which has been £5 a month and has now gone up to £17.50 with no increased usage ffs! Bastards! #DŵrCymru

#dwrcymru

JeniParsons @[email protected] · 2025-07-07 · 14:25 UTC

Just had the water bill which has been £5 a month and has now gone up to £17.50 with no increased usage ffs! Bastards! #DŵrCymru

#dwrcymru

JeniParsons @[email protected] · 2025-07-07 · 14:25 UTC

Just had the water bill which has been £5 a month and has now gone up to £17.50 with no increased usage ffs! Bastards! #DŵrCymru

#dwrcymru

JeniParsons @[email protected] · 2025-07-07 · 14:25 UTC

Just had the water bill which has been £5 a month and has now gone up to £17.50 with no increased usage ffs! Bastards! #DŵrCymru

#dwrcymru

Alex @[email protected] · 2025-03-31 · 14:55 UTC

Only 300 signatures needed to get this #senedd #petition over the line: https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/246570 for background see: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/wales/monmouthshire-and-brecon-canal-water-abstraction #brecon #monmouthshire #canal #DwrCymru

#senedd #petition #brecon #monmouthshire #canal #dwrcymru

Alex @[email protected] · 2025-03-31 · 14:55 UTC

Only 300 signatures needed to get this #senedd #petition over the line: https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/246570 for background see: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/wales/monmouthshire-and-brecon-canal-water-abstraction #brecon #monmouthshire #canal #DwrCymru

#senedd #petition #brecon #monmouthshire #canal #dwrcymru

Alex @[email protected] · 2025-03-31 · 14:55 UTC

Only 300 signatures needed to get this #senedd #petition over the line: https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/246570 for background see: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/wales/monmouthshire-and-brecon-canal-water-abstraction #brecon #monmouthshire #canal #DwrCymru

#senedd #petition #brecon #monmouthshire #canal #dwrcymru

Alex @[email protected] · 2025-03-31 · 14:55 UTC

Only 300 signatures needed to get this #senedd #petition over the line: https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/246570 for background see: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/wales/monmouthshire-and-brecon-canal-water-abstraction #brecon #monmouthshire #canal #DwrCymru

#dwrcymru #canal #monmouthshire #brecon #petition #senedd

Alex @[email protected] · 2025-03-31 · 14:55 UTC

Only 300 signatures needed to get this #senedd #petition over the line: https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/246570 for background see: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/wales/monmouthshire-and-brecon-canal-water-abstraction #brecon #monmouthshire #canal #DwrCymru

#senedd #petition #brecon #monmouthshire #canal #dwrcymru

RHD @[email protected] · 2025-03-26 · 13:45 UTC