Tackling hidden misconnections at Llandudno

Looking after the water quality at Llandudno means tackling issues that aren’t always visible – and that’s exactly what we’ve been working on with our partners.

The project began in 2024, after the beach’s bathing water classification dropped from Good to Sufficient in 2023. Although it has since recovered to Good in 2025, we’re determined not to stop there. With the right action, we believe Llandudno North Shore can achieve an Excellent classification.

So what’s causing the problem? In many cases, it comes down to something most people never see – drainage misconnections. These happen when wastewater from toilets, sinks, washing machines or dishwashers is mistakenly connected to surface water drains instead of the foul sewer. Surface water drains are designed to carry rainwater straight out to sea, meaning any misconnected wastewater goes untreated and can impact water quality at the beach.

This issue has been affecting parts of Llandudno North Shore for some time, particularly around the Craig y Don area. To better understand the scale of the problem, CCTV surveys of the drainage network has been carried out. These surveys identified several locations where foul water was entering the surface water system, helping us build a clearer picture of where action is needed.

Since then, we’ve been out on the ground working with partners to investigate further. Our teams have been visiting homes and businesses, lifting manhole covers and carrying out dye tests to check how properties are connected. It’s practical, hands-on work that helps pinpoint exactly where problems exist.

So far, we’ve inspected around 300 properties out of a possible 986. Of those, 14 per cent have shown issues such as misconnected plumbing, leaking sewer pipes or blockages, all of which could allow pollution to reach the outfall and ultimately the sea. These results highlight just how widespread the issue can be, and why it’s important that we continue the work.

We know that in many cases, these misconnections are unintentional and may date back many years. Property owners are often unaware there’s a problem at all. That’s why the support of local residents and businesses is so important. By allowing access for inspections and engaging with our teams, you are playing a vital role in helping us identify and fix these hidden issues.

Improving water quality here isn’t just about meeting standards it’s about protecting a beach that’s valued by the community, supports marine life, enjoyed by visitors and vital to the local economy.

We’re also keen to raise awareness about how simple actions can make a difference. Ensuring that new appliances and plumbing are correctly installed can help prevent future misconnections. It’s a small step that can have a big impact when it comes to protecting our coastline.