Natural Resources Wales is investigating suspected pollution of the River Towy at Carmarthen, after reports from members of the public — including a report of one dead fish.
Concerns had been circulating on social media in recent days, and Natural Resources Wales says the reports it received have been assessed and form part of ongoing investigations.
Officers attended the river on Saturday to carry out monitoring and assessment, and returned on Monday to monitor the area again.
“Investigations remain ongoing, and we will continue to assess all available evidence,” a spokesperson for the regulator said.
NRW acknowledged there had been “considerable speculation regarding a potential discharge from a particular site” — and said that speculation forms part of its investigation.
The regulator described the Tywi — the river’s Welsh name — as “one of Carmarthenshire’s most important natural assets”, supporting internationally significant wildlife, local communities and recreation.
The Towy is the longest river to flow entirely within Wales, and is renowned among anglers for its sewin — sea trout — fishery.
“We take all reports of pollution seriously,” the spokesperson said. “We work hard to investigate environmental offences and, where evidence supports it, we will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action.”
The regulator added that it currently has “a number of environmental enforcement investigations ongoing”, which it said reflects its commitment to holding polluters to account in Carmarthenshire.
Among them is the enforcement notice served on a waste site at Llanelli, confirmed as a source of the town’s fly infestation. NRW defended its handling of that investigation this week, after councillors called for its chair to resign.
NRW thanked those who had raised concerns, saying information provided by local communities was “invaluable” in identifying potential incidents quickly.
“Your reports help us respond quickly, and the sooner we know about something, the better,” the spokesperson added.
Anyone who spots suspected pollution is asked to report it through NRW’s online reporting form or its 24/7 incident line on 0300 065 3000 — with the regulator saying direct reports are quicker and more efficient than posts on social media.
Rivers across the region are under growing scrutiny. Last month the First Minister ordered an investigation into the River Tawe after sewage and sickness concerns were raised in the Senedd.
Welsh Water is also under investigation over sewage pollution of the River Kenfig, in a case the regulator there has described as unacceptable.
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