Two Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd candidates have condemned the shocking levels of sewage dumping in Welsh National Parks, including those within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

A new report from the Campaign for National Parks reveals that almost half (48 per cent) of rivers in Welsh National Parks fail to meet good ecological status.

According to the report, these waters are blighted by “hundreds of thousands of hours of sewage spills, agricultural run-off, and a toxic chemical cocktail from sewer overflows inside National Parks.”

Eryri (Snowdonia) was among the worst affected, with over 47,000 hours of sewage spills recorded. Campaigners note that in its natural state, Eryri would have the highest possible water quality, highlighting the tragic scale of damage caused by long-term sewage pollution.

The Pembrokeshire Coast also suffered significantly, with 38 sewage overflows resulting in nearly 16,000 hours of discharges in 2024 alone.

Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons), also saw poor results, with 53.8% of river water bodies wholly or partly in the park classed as moderate to bad. This decline in quality reflects more than 22,000 hours of sewage dumped into the park’s waters in 2023.

Environmental experts warn that sewage dumping not only devastates water quality but also destroys habitats and increases flood risks – compounding the damage to fragile ecosystems.

Sandra Jervis, Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd Candidate for Penfro Ceredigion (Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion) said:

“Here in Pembrokeshire, sewage dumping isn’t just an environmental disgrace, it’s a direct threat to our way of life. Our seas and beaches are the backbone of the local tourism industry, on which so many families and businesses rely.

"Visitors come here for clean waters, thriving wildlife, and unspoilt coastlines, but sewage pollution puts all of that at risk.

"The wildlife that makes this area so special, from dolphins and seals to seabirds, is suffering because of reckless dumping and weak regulation.

"Labour in both Cardiff Bay and Westminster is letting water companies get away with it. The Liberal Democrats are clear: we must stop this scandal now to protect our seas, safeguard local jobs, and defend the natural beauty that Wales is famous for.”