Locals attend Broad Haven for Surfers Against Sewage protest

Western Telegraph

19-05-2025

Locals gathered at Broad Haven to demonstrate their concerns over the ongoing sewage crisis, which they say saw untreated sewage discharged more than once a minute, on average, across the UK last year.
The Surfers Against Sewage protest in Pembrokeshire was one of more than 40 held across the country, calling for total reform of the water industry in England and Wales, and clearer monitoring and transparency of the sewage crisis.
The message from protestors was clear. (Image: Jake Aldred) CEO at Surfers Against Sewage, Giles Bristow, said: 'Another year, another summer of swimming and surfing in sewage while our shameless water companies laugh all the way to the bank.
The protest was one of over 40 held across the country. (Image: Jake Aldred) 'Our failing water industry has been trumpeting billions in investment to clean up their act, but we know that these fat cat bosses can't be trusted to keep their promises.
Locals want their sea to be sewage free. (Image: Jake Aldred) 'The proof is in the missed targets, shocking statistics and devastating stories of sickness we continue to see year after year.'
Data shows that less than one in five UK adults (19%) believe they will be able to swim safely at their local spot by 2030. (Image: Jake Aldred) New polling data shows that less than one in five UK adults (19%) believe they will be able to swim safely at their local spot by 2030 without risking their health due to sewage pollution.
'You are connected to the sea.' (Image: Jake Aldred) More than half (54%) worry they will get sick if they swim in the UK's rivers, lakes and seas.
More than half (54%) worry they will get sick if they swim in seas. (Image: Jake Aldred) Meanwhile, more than a third (37%) believe the actions of their water supplier has negatively impacted their local community and less than a third (32%) trust the government to ensure water suppliers will reduce sewage spills.
More than a third (37%) believe the actions of their water supplier has negatively impacted their local community. (Image: Jake Aldred) Giles added: 'We've had enough of their lies, greed and incompetence and know that this nightmare will not end until the whole water system is radically reformed.
'Stop pumping our dumping.' (Image: Jake Aldred) 'The thousands paddling out across the UK are letting the water companies, government and Independent Water Commission know, loud and clear, that we will not accept another year of risking our health to swim in the sea.
'Water slaughter.' (Image: Jake Aldred) 'People should be free to use the water without fear of getting sick, and that's why we developed the Safer Seas & Rivers Service, a free app that provides real-time pollution alerts, giving peace of mind for those worried about sewage pollution."
Less than a third (32%) trust the government to ensure water suppliers will reduce sewage spills. (Image: Jake Aldred) Surfers Against Sewage is calling for ambitious and radical reform of the water industry in England and Wales, which puts the environment and public health ahead of profit, ending sewage pollution for good.
Dŵr Cymru say they are investing heavily to help improve water quality in our rivers and seas.
Jenny Grubb, Environment Advisor and Stakeholder Manager for Dŵr Cymru recently said: 'Welsh Water is investing £2.5bn over the next five years on projects to improve the environment.
"Action from one sector won't be enough to improve our rivers, and the solutions we propose must be future proof and climate resilient.
"We are keen to find partnership projects and to work with organisations that are delivering environmental improvements.
"We hope that our investment will be boosted by working with others to ensure that river water quality continues to improve to the standard that we all want to see.'