More Than 800,000 Hours of Sewage Spills Recorded in Wales

Sewage was discharged into rivers, lakes and the sea around Wales for more than 800,000 hours during 2025, according to an analysis of water company data by environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage.

The charity said there were more than 100,000 sewage discharges during the year — equivalent to around one discharge every five minutes.

Although the total represents a reduction from more than 970,000 hours of discharges recorded the previous year, campaigners say the figures remain a serious concern for public health and the environment.

Sewage discharges fall but remain high

Surfers Against Sewage said the reduction was partly linked to the relatively dry weather experienced during the summer of 2025.

However, the charity argued that underinvestment and insufficient enforcement continued to contribute to sewage pollution.

Its annual assessment also recorded 992 reports of sickness in Wales linked to sewage since 2019.

Of those reports, 215 were recorded during 2025.

The charity said the reported illnesses resulted in more than 2,200 days away from work.

Thousands of hours in bathing waters

The analysis found that sewage was discharged into Wales' designated bathing waters for a combined total of 35,669 hours during 2025.

One location highlighted was Llyn Padarn in Gwynedd.

Despite the lake's designated bathing water being classified as “excellent” for water quality, the charity said sewage discharges lasted for 1,614 hours during the year.

The figures have raised concerns about the potential impact on people using Wales' beaches, rivers and lakes for swimming and other recreational activities.

‘A shocking statistic’

Giles Bristow, chief executive of Surfers Against Sewage, described the number of discharges as a “shocking statistic”.

He said 90 locations identified by authorities as suitable places to swim had experienced more than 4,000 hours of sewage pollution.

The charity argues that continued investment and stronger enforcement are needed to reduce the frequency and duration of sewage discharges.

It says pollution can affect both ecosystems and people who use the water for recreation.

Natural Resources Wales responds

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said it had strengthened its regulatory approach through increased monitoring and tighter guidance.

The organisation also said it had overseen significant programmes of environmental investment by water companies.

The regulator's role includes monitoring environmental performance and ensuring water companies comply with relevant requirements.

Welsh Water promises £2.5bn investment

Welsh Water said it understood public concerns about sewage discharges and acknowledged that improvements were needed.

The company said it would invest a record £2.5bn over the next four years.

It added that, in line with Welsh Government policy, it was prioritising storm overflows considered to be causing the greatest environmental harm.

The company said protecting Welsh waters remained a serious responsibility.

Hafren Dyfrdwy plans further investment

Hafren Dyfrdwy, which operates across parts of mid and north-east Wales, said it was working to reduce the average number of sewage spills.

The company acknowledged that more needed to be done.

It said it was investing £11m in storm overflows with the aim of reducing spills to fewer than 20 per year by 2030.

Welsh Government promises tougher approach

The Welsh Government said it was “taking full control of water in Wales” and would apply the polluter-pays principle.

It also said serious and persistent offenders could face prosecution.

The government said reforms to the water sector could strengthen accountability while maintaining cooperation between Wales and the rest of the UK where water systems cross borders.

UK Government also calls for accountability

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said water companies needed to take responsibility for sewage pollution.

The UK Government said its strengthened Water Bill would aim to deliver cleaner waters and stronger accountability, including the creation of a new regulator with greater powers to hold companies to account.

The challenge for Wales

The latest figures present a mixed picture.

Sewage discharge hours fell compared with 2024, but the total remains substantial, with more than 100,000 individual discharges recorded during 2025.

For campaigners, the issue is not simply how many spills occur, but how long they last, where they happen and what impact they have on wildlife and people using Welsh waters.

Water companies point to billions of pounds of planned investment, while regulators and governments say stronger oversight and enforcement are also necessary.

The coming years will therefore provide an important test of whether increased investment, tighter regulation and new water policies can translate into a sustained reduction in sewage pollution.

For communities across Wales, the key question is whether the water they swim in, fish in and enjoy can become cleaner and safer — and whether the promised investment will deliver measurable improvements.