Carmarthenshire County Council explores new sustainable drainage projects to protect local rivers

Carmarthenshire County Council is progressing plans to introduce sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in two rural town car parks as part of its ongoing commitment to improving water quality and protecting the county’s natural environment.

The Resilient Rivers Project will explore sustainable drainage options for Llandovery Car Park and Newcastle Emlyn Car Park. These proposed schemes aim to reduce the amount of surface water runoff entering local drainage networks and nearby rivers. By introducing SuDS features, rainfall will be slowed and filtered down where it lands, rather than running off tarmac and into the drain.

This innovative approach will help lessen the risk of storm spills, improve local water quality, and support the protection of the Teifi and Tywi Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) from nutrient enrichment.
Funding for the development phase of the projects has been secured from Natural Resources Wales.

To ensure that the local community has an opportunity to learn more and share their views, drop-in sessions will be held in both towns:

•    Llandovery – Y Gannwyll, Wednesday 25 November, 10am–2pm
•    Newcastle Emlyn – Cawdor Hall, Thursday 27 November, 10am–2pm

Council officers will be on hand at both sessions to discuss the proposals and gather feedback from residents.

For those unable to attend in person, there will also be an opportunity to contribute via an online feedback form, available through the Carmarthenshire County Council website.

As part of the wider initiative, local school children will take part in bespoke educational workshops led by Ynni Sir Gâr, focusing on the importance of the water cycle and how rural communities can play a vital role in supporting local ecosystems.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said:

The Resilient Rivers Project represents a crucial step forward in how we manage water and protect our natural environment here in Carmarthenshire. By adopting sustainable drainage systems, we are not only reducing pollution and the risk of flooding but also enhancing the health of our rivers and the wildlife they support.”