Water watchdogs investigate River Dee pollution reports

 llanblogger special report 

* One of a series pictures taken by llanblogger’s source showing the dirty foam collecting on rocks in the river.

Complaints about the poor quality of water in the River Dee in Llangollen are being investigated by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water.

Claims about pollution of the waterway, which is popular with everyone from kayakers and white water rafters to people swimming on warm days, have been made by a person llanblogger considers a reliable source well acquainted with the situation but who wishes to remain anonymous.

The claims are that:

* There is evidence of some form of pollutant coming from upstream of the Horseshoe Falls.  

* There is a type of dirty foam collecting in eddies of water and on rocks in various parts of the white water section of the river as it flows through the town

* A number of kayakers have become sick in the past 2-3 weeks with serious gastro-intestinal problems. llanblogger's source says they personally know of over 20 cases but add that there was an increase in cases noted following the recent Dee Fest kayak festival over the weekend of April 25-26. 

* That pollution could have an impact on the local tourist industry and the health of children swimming in the river on sunny days. 

* There could be an ecological impact on fish in the river whose population is already said to be struggling

llanblogger sought official reaction to the claims from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water.

Philip Barrett, Senior Officer, Denbighshire Environment Team at NRW said on Friday: “Improving water quality for people and wildlife is an important part of the work that we do.

 

“We received multiple reports of a suspected pollution incident on the River Dee around Llangollen on April 27. Following these initial reports, our officers attended on the day to take samples and to initiate an investigation.

 

“Further suspected pollution reports have been received today (Friday May 8) and our officers are on site again to take further samples and to continue the work to trace the potential sources. 

"We are aware of a misconnection which has been raised with Denbighshire County Council. We are also in contact with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water who are also investigating the issue further. We will continue to work with them to ensure a solution is found.

“Our investigations are continuing. Thank you to everyone who reported this to our incident line – your reports help us respond quickly. If you spot any further issues, please report it to us 24/7 using our online form, or call our incident line on 0300 065 3000."

And a spokesperson for Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water said: "We are working with NRW and the local council to investigate misconnections in Llangollen. 

"Misconnections are when a private wastewater pipe is connected to the incorrect surface water drainage network, usually unknowingly. This can result in wastewater going directly into streams and rivers. You can learn more on how to spot misconnections on our website.  

"It is important to note our storm overflows in Llangollen did not spill in April."

* More of the dirty foam which washed up to rocks in the Dee. 

* Scum on the water which was washed up around tree flotsam in the river.