Inspections are carried out by Natural Resources Wales in partnership with the local
authority and the water company. These are carried out pre-season (before the 1st
of May) and mid season, if required (during the bathing water season).
Poorly maintained private sewage treatment facilities could be a source of pollution,
therefore the registration of all private sewage systems in Wales is required by 30
June 2012. The primary aim of this exercise is to provide increased protection for
the environment and sensitive features such as bathing water beaches. Where properties
are identified in the catchment that are not on mains sewerage, Natural Resources
Wales will endeavour to ensure registration has been made.
Heavy rain falling on pavements and roads often flows into surface water drains or
highway drains, ending up in local rivers and, ultimately, the sea. The quality of
bathing water may be adversely affected as a result of such events.