Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is taking action to address a lesser-known source of water pollution – misconnected household appliances.
Following several reports of pollution impacting the River Taff near Mynachdy Road in Cardiff and the River Ely near Michaelston-Super-Ely, NRW’s investigation uncovered more than 30 cases of misconnected wastewater pipes.
We are pleased to announce Down to Zero, in partnership with Cwmbach Community Wetlands / Gwlyptiroedd Cymunedol Cwmbach, have been awarded £222,024 in funding from The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) to improve accessibility to Cwmbach wetlands and woodlands in Aberdare. TWIG is a scheme being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with the Welsh Government‘s National Forest for Wales Programme.
The funding will help create a nature trail alongside the river, support spaces for rest and recreation and bring the site into the National Forest for Wales network, ensuring increased environmental protection. The project will provide training and create volunteering opportunities for local people to manage the site sustainably for the long term.
Down to Zero Project Manager Tom Addiscott said ‘The funding is a credit to the efforts of the local community and Cwmbach Community Wetlands Ltd. Since we purchased the site in July 2024, we know that safely restoring the pathway alongside the river has been a key priority for local people. We’re pleased that this project will increase access to green space and allow local people to improve their health and wellbeing by spending more time in nature on their doorstep. The project will be supported by an ecological appraisal and ecological mitigation, and enhancement plans to ensure that we protect and enhance the local wildlife and environment. Environmental protection and enhancement are a key priority for us and the local community.’
Diolch i Chi –chwaraewyr y Loteri Genedlaethol, Thanks to you – National Lottery players, Welsh Government and Natural Resource Wales.
Please visit the Cynon Taf Community Housing Group website to read the full press release. https://cynon-taf.org.uk/cwmbach-community-we
These included washing machines, toilets, sinks, and home extensions incorrectly connected to the surface water network instead of the sewer system, allowing untreated wastewater to flow directly into rivers, causing pollution and harming ecosystems.
NRW officers traced the pollution sources by checking nearby surface water outfalls that discharges into the rivers. Once they saw grey polluted water around the outfalls, they knew the pollution was likely caused by wastewater.
NRW is working closely with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water to notify property owners and ensure corrective measures are taken. Letters are being issued to households to resolve these issues promptly.
Alex Grainger, Environment Officer for NRW, said:
“Misconnections are a hidden but significant source of pollution and household plumbing errors can have a major impact on our rivers.
“We want to raise awareness of this issue and help fix these problems to protect the water quality in our rivers and wildlife.
“We encourage people to check their plumbing, and to contact Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water for advice or are concerned about a misconnection in their area.”
For guidance or to find out how to report suspected misconnections, visit Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water’s website.
Pollution incidents should be reported online or by calling NRW’s 24/7 incident line on 0300 065 3000.
Local Council, NRW, and the Welsh Minister for Environment Show Disregard for Community Wetlands
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