Ceredigion Penfro Senedd Member Paul Davies has demanded urgent Welsh Government action on pollution and water quality in West Wales.

The Welsh Conservatives member raised the matter at the Senedd on June 2, at Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth’s first FMQ.

“Water quality is a serious issue in west Wales and it's vital that the new Welsh Government urgently prioritises this issue. Constituents are fed up with repeated sewage discharges affecting our environment,” stated Mr Davies.

“The Welsh Government must work with water companies and Natural Resources Wales to improve our water quality and invest in our water infrastructure.”

At the Senedd plenary, Mr Davies told Wales’ First Minister and Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth: “First Minister, reports of sewage discharges in Ceredigion Penfro are also far too frequent, and my constituents are increasingly frustrated that these incidents continue to occur with little visible progress in addressing this pollution.

“Now, as well as tackling these discharges and storm overflows, urgent action is also needed to improve our water infrastructure to prevent these incidents from recurring.

“Now, as you're aware, west Wales is home to many Blue Flag and Green Coast beaches, and it's vital that these water quality standards can continue to be met so that our coast can be enjoyed by local residents and, indeed, visitors to the area as well.

“Therefore, can you outline what steps are currently being taken to address repeated sewage discharges in west Wales? And further to your earlier answers, what further measures will this Government introduce to tackle this issue in Ceredigion Penfro and ensure that the local beaches continue to maintain high quality standards?”

The First Minister responded, stating: “We will act by targeting prevention and enforcement where evidence shows it is needed—that means in relation to polluted rivers, and it means in relation to polluted seas around our coast. We want to see urgent action.

“It is why we want to see regulation of water being devolved to Wales so that we can have as much influence as possible on the cleanliness of our rivers and our seas.”

It was revealed last month, that Tenby’s much-loved North Beach has failed to gain a Blue Flag award due to a drop in water quality.

It has been confirmed that North Beach whose responsibility lies with Pembrokeshire County Council, did not apply for, and was therefore not awarded, a Blue Flag Award in the 2026 Wales Coast Awards. This is due to a drop in water quality from ‘excellent’ to ‘good’

North Beach also failed to retain the award in 2022 and 2023 for the same reason, after more than 25 consecutive years of being recognised as one of the best beaches in Wales.

Owen Derbyshire, Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy, said the news was ‘incredibly disappointing’ and that the organisation is committed to working with authorities across Wales to support North Beach in restoring its water quality and regaining its Blue Flag Award.

“Like many people in Wales, Tenby’s North Beach holds happy memories for me and I share the sadness of all those who will be disappointed by this news,” he remarked.

“It is an important local beauty spot and key tourist attraction, and the announcement will come as a blow to local residents, business owners who rely on tourism and, of course, the hundreds of thousands of tourists who visit the beach every year.

“That said, a ‘good’ standard of water quality means North Beach still ranks highly among beaches in Wales, and we would like to commend all those involved in managing all the other elements of the award, such as sustainability and providing the highest quality of visitor experience, which are all essential factors in a coastal location gaining a Blue Flag Award.

“Wales is lucky to have some of the best beaches in the world. But that doesn’t happen by accident. We need clear policy and a renewed commitment to ensure our coastline retains its high standards of cleanliness and effective management so that they continue to attract tourists and remain well-used by local people for generations to come,” he added.

Nearby, an investigation into any possible regulatory breaches at Lydstep Beach is continuing, following a sewage pollution incident, that led to warnings advising members of the public against entering the water during a two-week period over May.

Last month also saw local residents, surfers, swimmers and environmental supporters all gather at Broad Haven Beach for a Surfers Against Sewage ‘Paddle Out Protest’ calling for urgent action on sewage pollution along the Pembrokeshire coastline.

The demonstration was once again organised amid growing public concern over repeated sewage discharges throughout the year into waters used daily by local communities, visitors, and marine wildlife.

South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell also spoke at the event, stating afterwards: “From raw sewage in our rivers to no-swim alerts at our beaches, our broken water system is putting public health, wildlife, tourism, and local businesses at risk.

“But today also showed something powerful: when people come together, change becomes impossible to ignore.

“Fixing this broken water sector will take serious action and cooperation at every level. Accountability and transparency from water companies is critical and I’m committed to working with local organisations, the regulator, campaigners, and government ministers to push for the change we deserve.”