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Vale bathing water grades revealed

Friday, 6 December 2024 09:27

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

NRW

The latest bathing water grades have been published for eight beaches across the Vale of Glamorgan.

The Knap in Barry, Col-Huw in Llantwit Major and Dunraven Bay in Southerndown have all retained the top status of excellent.

Penarth beach is rated 'good' for the second year running, along with Jackson's Bay and Whitmore Bay at Barry Island.

Tests carried out by Natural Resources Wales found water quality at Watch House Bay (also known as Watchtower Bay) had improved and was now deemed 'sufficient'.

But concerns remain at Ogmore, which has been graded 'poor' for the second year running, despite signs of improvement in the some of the samples taken during the bathing season.

Vale Council says it will remove signs from Watch House Bay warning people not to enter the water - which will be retained at Ogmore.

Both sites were granted bathing water status by the Welsh Government last year following separate campaigns.

Cllr Ruba Sivagnanam, cabinet member for regulatory services, said: "These results show that the water quality at the vast majority of beaches in the Vale is either excellent or good and steps taken to improve the water at Watch House Bay means that is no longer rated as poor so is safe to swim in."

"The council will continue to seek action and improvements from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Dwr Cymru to address the situation at Ogmore."

“It is important to remember that the council is not responsible for regulating bathing water quality at beaches, but we do want everyone to enjoy these locations so Ogmore’s result is disappointing."

In May, swimmers at Ogmore were told not to go in the sea due to what NRW called an "ongoing pollution event".

Restrictions were lifted a month later after a small leak had been traced to a groundwater pipe rather than Welsh Water's nearby wastewater treatment works as originally suspected.

Water samples are usually assessed over a four-year period, meaning poor samples from the first year of a two-year assessment period will continue to impact the bathing water classification until a greater number of more positive samples are taken. 

Last year's poor results at Watch House Bay and Ogmore led to NRW and Dwr Cymru officials meeting with council officers and local swimming groups at public meetings.

And while the council says it will work in partnership where possible, they stress that its ultimately down to environmental authorities to ensure the Vale's bathing waters are at the highest standards.

Cllr Sivagnanam added: “The readings taken there show big fluctuations in water quality. Even though the vast majority of samples taken were deemed excellent, on a small number of occasions there were high readings for certain bacteria."

“Unfortunately, this testing does not determine the reason for poor water quality. There are a number of natural factors and potential pollutants that could affect the situation."

“Everyone wants clean bathing water, and we want that too. But the wellbeing of visitors will always come first so, unfortunately, for the time being, we must advise against bathing at Ogmore."

NRW and Dwr Cymru officials will meet again with councillors in the New Year to discuss this year's results.

The Welsh Government said 98% of designated bathing waters had met "stringent environment standards" with three quarters achieving the top 'excellent grades' and an increase in the number of locations deemed 'good'.

Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: "These results are a testament to the incredible work and dedication of so many people involved in safeguarding our waters."

"While we celebrate this progress, especially with so many of our world-class beaches meeting 'Excellent' quality, we remain focused on the future. Our goal is not just to maintain these high standards but to push further, ensuring our coastline and inland waters remain a source of pride for communities and visitors alike."

"This success underscores the importance of collective effort—from communities, water companies, and all partners—to build on this foundation. Every step, no matter how small, contributes to a cleaner, safer environment for future generations."

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