Clarification Issued Over West Shore Spill Reports as Llandudno Sewage Concerns Addressed

Residents concerned about reports of sewage discharges at West Shore in Llandudno have been given further clarification after a local MS raised questions about recorded spill data linked to the area’s pumping station.

The update follows enquiries from local residents who contacted Senedd Member Janet Finch-Saunders seeking reassurance over reports that appeared to suggest repeated sewage discharges affecting the popular coastal area.

Further information provided on the operation of the pumping station has confirmed that the vast majority of recorded discharges are not sewage releases entering the coastline. Instead, they relate to surface water flows from the culverted River Creuddyn, which pass through the Afon Creuddyn Surface Water Pumping Station.

According to the clarification, the surface water is discharged via the same offshore outfall used by the storm overflow system. However, the outfall is located approximately five kilometres offshore rather than directly onto the coastline.

The River Creuddyn culvert was installed around a century ago as part of Llandudno’s flood prevention infrastructure. It operates independently of the sewer network and exists to help protect the town from flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.

The update also confirms that Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has introduced changes to improve the way spill events are recorded. Previously, monitoring systems included the legitimate surface water flows from the River Creuddyn alongside genuine storm overflow discharges, creating the potential for confusion.

New individual monitoring equipment has now been installed on each section of pipe leading to the storm overflow. This allows the system to distinguish between normal surface water flows and genuine storm overflow spills, ensuring future records provide a more accurate picture of wastewater releases.

Janet Finch-Saunders, Senedd Member for Bangor Conwy Môn said:

“A number of constituents have contacted me with understandable concerns about possible sewage spills at West Shore Beach, Llandudno.

Having sought further clarification, I understand that the vast majority of these recorded discharges relate to surface water flows from the culverted River Creuddyn via Afon Creuddyn Surface Water Pumping Station rather than sewage being released onto our coastline. The system was originally constructed to help protect Llandudno from flooding and operates separately from the sewer network.

While residents will rightly continue to expect transparency and high environmental standards, I felt it was important to share this information so that people have a clear understanding of what is being recorded and why.”

The clarification is expected to provide reassurance for residents and visitors while highlighting the importance of accurate environmental monitoring. Public concern over water quality has grown across Wales in recent years, making clear distinctions between storm overflow events and surface water management increasingly important.

The updated monitoring arrangements should also help improve confidence in future reporting by ensuring that only genuine storm overflow discharges are recorded, providing a clearer understanding of the environmental performance of the wastewater network serving the Llandudno area.