'No quick fix' for quality of beach water

ENVIRONMENTAL experts have warned that there will not be a quick fix to the water quality problems at a popular Welsh beach.

- TED PESKETT

Beach-goers and local residents were disappointed to find out in January 2025 that Ogmore-by-Sea beach still had a “poor” bathing water quality rating.

In the previous year, the beach and Watch House Bay in Barry were given “poor” ratings following tests by Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

Watch House Bay is now classed as “sufficient”, and it is hoped Ogmore-by-Sea will “come good” eventually.

However, NRW has cautioned that this will take some time.

An NRW spokesperson said investigative work at the beach is ongoing, adding: “It's important to note that there will not be a quick solution due to the number of possible contributory factors to the poor water quality.

“In addition to our investigation work, we have prioritised our regulatory compliance work in the area and have also identified private drainage issues in the area which need to be rectified.”

Bathing water quality ratings at Welsh beaches are based on the levels of bacteria detected in samples taken there.