‘Abnormal situation’ at Ogmore-By-Sea bathing water has ended

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has announced today (18 June 2024) that the abnormal situation declared at the Ogmore-by-Sea designated bathing water has been removed.

On 21 May, NRW declared an abnormal situation at Ogmore-by-Sea following a report of pollution in the River Ogmore adjacent to the Pen-y-Bont wastewater treatment works.

An abnormal situation, as defined by the Bathing Water Regulations, is usually declared when NRW becomes aware of an unusual pollution source that could impact on a bathing water.

Fiona Hourahine, Operations Manager for Natural Resources Wales, said:

“Following our investigation of the pollution incident on the River Ogmore, including taking water quality samples upstream and downstream of the site since the start of the incident, we believe there is no longer an ongoing pollution event constituting an abnormal situation.

“Therefore, we’ve removed the abnormal situation at the Ogmore-By-Sea bathing water.

“Although we have not been able to find the initial source of the pollution at this time, we will continue our investigation and monitoring the area will also form part of our wider investigation into water quality in the catchment following the ‘poor’ classification at Ogmore-By-Sea bathing water at the end of the 2023 bathing water season.”

NRW has informed Vale of Glamorgan Council who can now remove the signs placed at Ogmore-by-Sea beach to warn people of the pollution risk.

Miles Punter, Vale of Glamorgan Council Director of Environment and Housing Services, said:

“The Council is pleased that NRW testing indicates the pollution incident previously declared is no longer affecting water quality at Ogmore beach. We will now remove signs referencing the ‘abnormal situation’ from the area.

“However, it is disappointing that the source of the problem has not been identified.

 “It is also extremely regrettable that we had to take additional measures to discourage people from entering the sea, with the beach still suffering the consequences of poor bathing water samples taking during 2023. 

"Pollution incidents have become far too common. They impact not just the water quality, but everyone who would otherwise be enjoying this stretch of the Heritage Coast.

“While Ogmore has much to offer, aside from its beach, residents and visitors deserve clean, safe bathing water to enjoy and we will continue to work with NRW and DCWW to achieve this.”

Suspected pollution can be reported to NRW by calling the 24/7 incident hotline on 03000 65 3000 or online via the Report It page.

Information about where to find designated bathing waters, and the standard of bathing water is available on the Bathing Water Quality page.