A surge in norovirus cases last year has been connected to individuals swimming in a popular bay in Wales. The water quality in Cardiff Bay deteriorated to the extent that an inflatable obstacle course floating in the water had to be relocated following concerns raised by the Cardiff Council scrutiny committee. This freshwater lake, fed by the River Ely and River Taff, has been affected by sewage discharge in recent times.
Councilor John Lancaster criticized council officers for their handling of the situation, urging them to collaborate with organizations like NRW (Natural Resources Wales) and Welsh Water to address the issue. Norovirus, a contagious stomach bug causing vomiting and diarrhea, easily spreads through human waste. Despite being unpleasant, it typically resolves within two days, as per information from the NHS.
During a committee meeting, four out of the six sites tested for water quality in the bay by the Cardiff Harbour Authority (CHA) failed to meet cleanliness standards. Cllr Lancaster expressed disappointment, emphasizing the negative impact that poor water quality could have on the bay’s utility for Cardiff residents and businesses. The source of the norovirus outbreak in the summer of 2024, as determined by an incident management team led by Public Health Wales, was believed to be sewage-related.
Cardiff Council’s cabinet member for culture, sports, and parks, Cllr Jennifer Burke, defended the council’s actions, stating that they are actively engaging with Welsh Water and Natural Resources Wales to address the issue within the limits of existing legislation. Aqa Park, the popular inflatable obstacle course in Cardiff Bay, had to be removed due to contaminated water, affecting its usual summer influx of visitors.
According to a CHA spokesperson, increased rainfall and higher river flows led to a rise in failed water quality tests. The spokesperson clarified that they have no control over the water quality entering the bay.