Tenby and Saundersfoot £1.9m bathing water boost finishes ahead of schedule
- Welsh Water completes investment work to improve performance of wastewater network
- £1.5 million invested on a brand new sea outfall in Saundersfoot
- £400,000 invested on a new sewer in Castle Square, Tenby
- Saundersfoot and Tenby beaches awarded Blue Flags
Since the beginning of the year Welsh Water have been carrying out major investment works to the wastewater systems in both Tenby and Saundersfoot. These essential projects will bring long term benefits to the area by improving the performance of the network, reducing the risk of flooding and boosting the bathing water quality.
The work by the not-for-profit company was completed ahead of schedule despite challenging winter weather conditions. These included working with the tidal patterns in Saundersfoot harbour and navigating the cobbled streets of Tenby.
One of the determining factors in achieving a ‘Blue Flag’ is bathing water quality. Just last week it was announced that Wales has achieved a total of 47 Blue Flags this year – meaning Wales has more Blue Flags per mile than anywhere else in the UK. Pembrokeshire has the most flags with 11 in total, with Saundersfoot and three of Tenby’s beaches are among those recognised. Welsh Water’s £1.9 million investment in Tenby and Saundersfoot will help protect the Pembrokeshire bathing water for decades to come.
Saundersfoot Councillor Phil Baker said, “I would like to thank Welsh Water for the recently completed refurbishment of the sea outfall in Saundersfoot. Every aspect of the project was well managed, from the tidal engineering challenges to public consultation. I met the project team at the local exhibition in the Village Hall and then met frequently with them during construction and at Community events they supported in the Village. Congratulations to the whole team – a difficult job, in challenging conditions on a public beach.”
Cllr Baker added, “I was also delighted to see the company visit Saundersfoot Community Primary School while they were working in the area. Here, budding young engineers were able to design a water distribution network – with actual, running water. Great fun was had by all!”
Local Assembly Member Angela Burns commented, “I am delighted to hear of Welsh Water’s investment into our local infrastructure here in South Pembrokeshire. Many of the systems are years old and are struggling to cope with increased demand and capacity. “Although the effects may not be always visible, this amount of investment will have a positive impact on our dated sewer systems and shows that Welsh Water has been listening to local calls to undertake these upgrades.”
Welsh Water’s Programme Manager, Andrew Roberts said: “These were both challenging engineering projects that required detailed planning to install the new outfall pipe and new sewer to the required standards.
“We’re keen to give back to the local communities who have supported us throughout this work and will be supporting several events over the summer. We’d also like to encourage community groups to apply for the Welsh Water Community Fund and more information can be found on the website www.dwrcymru.com.”