Sewage alerts issued for some of Wales' most beautiful beaches on hottest weekend

A charity has issued a warning that 19 beach and seafront destinations in Wales have been polluted by storm sewage or given a poor water classification. Surfers Against Sewage, one of the UK's most successful marine conservation and campaigning charities, has published the alerts on its website on Saturday (May 18).

It writes that there is an issue concerning storm sewage within the last 48 hours in the areas of Barry Island, Prestatyn, Saundersfoot, Llandudno, a beach on Anglesey and Colwyn Bay.

They have also said "bathing not advised due to poor annual classification" at Ogmore by Sea in the Vale of Glamorgan. Find out about the latest events in Wales by signing up to our What's On newsletter here

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The charity explained how sewage pollution was "everything we flush down the loo or wash down the drain that is released into the environment through sewer overflows, or that washes off the land and roads." There has been heavy rain this week that can add to issues already there.

The weather is set to be generally good this weekend with highs of 22°C. The Met Office forecast for Wales says: "A mainly cloudy day on Saturday with bright or sunny intervals. Showers are likely in places, these turning heavy and thundery by the afternoon. Feeling warm in the sunshine. Maximum temperature 22°C.

"On Sunday, any low cloud, mist and fog soon lifting to leave a fine day with sunny spells. The odd heavy shower may develop through the afternoon, but most places staying dry. Maximum temperature 22°C."

Here are the the beaches and the concerns that have been raised by SOS:

Ogmore By Sea
The charity writes: "Bathing not advised due to Poor annual classification.
A popular sand and pebble beach at the mouth of the River Ogmore. The 2-mile-long beach is popular with families, surfers and canoeists. Although the only facilities on the beach are a surf club and toilets, there are good pubs within half a mile. Why not explore Vale Trail 1- Ogmore By Sea Walk? This route takes you along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, designated for its unique geology and wildlife. It is popular with walkers of all abilities; while some follow the 8-mile route, there is also a 4-mile loop and a 2-mile route accessible by buggies and wheelchairs. Above Dunraven Bay, you’ll have one of the best views along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. In 2023, the beach was classified as poor, so bathing is not advised."

Cold Knap Barry
The charity writes: "Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
The bay, located adjacent to Barry Old Harbour, is primarily a steeply sloping stone and pebble beach, with sand exposed at low water only. The beach faces south west towards the Bristol Channel, backed by cliffs at the north end, with a promenade at the south end towards Cold Knap Point and the highly urbanised town of Barry in the surrounding area. The water quality sample point is located at the centre of the bay, opposite the car park."

Jacksons Bay Barry Island
The charity writes: "Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
The 170 metre cove slopes gently and comprises of sand, backed by steep cliffs on the west to Nell´s Point, with a harbour wall on the east. It faces south east towards the Bristol Channel and is backed by the highly urbanised town of Barry. The water quality sample point is located at the centre of the bay."

Whitmore Bay Barry Island
The charity writes: "Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
The bay is a sandy 700m cove located, west of Barry Docks and Jackson´s Bay. It faces south towards the Bristol Channel, backed by the dock area and the town of Barry. Seaside shops can be found in the immediate foreground, with limestone cliffs on either side and headlands called Friars Point to the west and Nell´s Point to the east."

Prestatyn

The charity writes: "Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
Prestatyn beach is a long stretch of sand divided by sea defences. It has a large tidal range and is gently sloping from low tide towards the high tide area, which is bordered by a promenade. There are two significant sewer overflows in the Rhyl area which could impact water quality under certain tidal conditions."

Colwyn Bay Porth Eirias
The charity writes: "Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
The bay is situated on the north Wales coastline, to the east of Rhos Point, approximately 10 kilometres from the Great Orme headland. The beach is long and sandy, with a concrete promenade to the rear. The sample point is located to the left/west of the building at Porth Eirias carpark and down the beach. The sample is taken 250 meter to the left of the stones - half way between Porth Eirias Centre and the pier."

Colwyn Bay
The charity writes: "Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
The bay is situated on the north Wales coastline, to the east of Rhos Point, approximately 10 kilometres from the Great Orme headland. The beach is long and sandy, with a concrete promenade to the rear. The water quality sample point is located in front of the Cayley Promenade opposite the lifebuoy and the white tower."

Llandudno North Shore
The charity writes: "Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
Situated on the North Wales coastline, the bay faces north east, between the Great Orme and the Little Orme headlands. The beach is long and sandy, with a stony pebble foreshore, which extends over 2 kilometres. A concrete promenade runs the length of the beach to the rear. The sea area offshore is designated as the Menai Strait and Conwy Special Area of Conservation, whilst the Great Orme is also designated as a Special Area of Conservation."

Llanfairfechan

The charity writes: "Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
Llanfairfechan is situated on the North Wales coastline, 9.5 kilometres to the east of Bangor. It is a long sand and pebble beach, with a concrete promenade running the length of its rear. Behind the promenade are shops, cafes, houses and the main North Wales railway line. The coastal waters are designated under the Menai Strait and Conwy Special Area of Conservation, in addition to the Traeth Lafan Special Protection Area and a Site of Special Scientific Interest."

Rhosneigr
Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
Situated on the west coast of Anglesey, south of Holyhead and faces southwest into Caernarfon Bay. The beach is a long stretch of flat sand, with dunes running behind it, with rocky outcrops at either end. Rhosneigr Sewage Treatment Works discharges treated effluent to sea.

Craig Du Beach Central
The charity writes: "Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
The bay is long, sandy and backed by sand dunes. It is located 4 kilometres south west of Porthmadog. The area is designated as the Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau Special Area of Conservation and Tiroedd a Glannau Rhwng Criccieth ac Afon Glaslyn Site of Special Scientific Interest."

Llandanwg
The charity writes: "Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
This is a west-facing, shallow sandy beach, backed by sand dunes, residential homes and agricultural land. It is situated within the Snowdonia National Park and is within the Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau Special Area of Conservation. The beach is famous for its church. There is an outfall from the sewage treatment works, which also serves as an emergency overflow from the pumping station at the car park north of the beach"

Dyffryn (Llanendwyn)
The charity writes: "Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
The beach is relatively flat, made up of sand and pebbles, stretching for 8 kilometres to the north of Barmouth. A number of caravan sites are located to the south. The dune system is part of the Morfa Dyffryn Site of Special Scientific Interest and the Morfa Dyffryn National Nature Reserve, which reflects the environmental importance of the site. The beach also lies within the Morfa Harlech a Morfa Dyffryn Special Area of Conservation. The water quality sample point is located directly in line with the board walk."

Fairbourne
The charity writes: "Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
The beach is a 5 kilometre stretch of sand, backed by a large embankment of pebbles, which provides a natural and effective flood defence. At the north of the beach is the Mawddach Estuary, whilst the south is backed by steep cliffs. A short distance along the shore are tank traps dating from the Second World War, known locally as Dragon´s Teeth. The bathing water lies within the Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau Special Area of Conservation. The northern end of the beach is designated as part of the Mawddach Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest, whilst the area to the south of the beach is designated the Glannau Tonfanau to Friog Site of Special Scientific Interest"

West Angle
The charity writes: "Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
This sheltered beach is a small stretch of sand, measuring approximately 250 metres in length, with limestone rocks on either side. Located within Milford Haven Waterway, the bay is positioned just west of its larger neighbour, Angle Bay. The land surrounding West Angle is predominantly agricultural, with an oil refinery 4 kilometres east of the bay. The coastal waters form part of the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation, confirming the high conservation status of the area. The bathing water also lies within Pembrokeshire Coast National Park."

Saundersfoot
The charity writes: "Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
A beautiful, sandy expanse of gently sloping sand, backed by a shingle ridge with Saundersfoot harbour at the southern end. Discharges from sewer overflows can occur nearby and affect water quality, especially after heavy rainfall."

Coppet Hall
The charity writes: "Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
This beach is gently sloping and wide, with a pebble bank on the high tide mark. Spanning approximately 850 metres of the Pembrokeshire coast line, the bay is backed by a combination of agricultural land, domestic properties and small holiday homes. Coppet Hall Beach also forms part of the Carmarthen Bay Special Area of Conservation, confirming the high conservation status of the area. The bathing water also lies within Pembrokeshire Coast National Park"

Wisemans Bridge
The charity writes: "Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
This sandy beach measures approximately 500m across, faces south east over Carmarthen Bay and lies in front of a public car park and a popular pub. Discharges from combined sewer overflows occur within the vicinity of the bathing water especially after heavy rainfall."

Pembrey
The charity writes: "Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
The sandy beach is long, sweeping and slopes gently, which on a low tide can result in the sea being some distance from the shore line. Pembrey is one of the UK´s longest beaches, stretching over 11 kilometres, backing onto the Pembrey Country Park. The beach is located within the Carmarthen Bay and Estuary Special Area of Conservation."