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Welsh Water has been told it needs to “up its game” to tackle water pollution.

The Senedd’s environment committee has called on Welsh Water to set more ambitious targets when it comes to reducing incidents of pollution.

Plaid Cymru Senedd Member Llyr Gruffydd, who chairs the environment committee, said recent performance reports show the not-for-profit organisation “is barely treading water when it comes to delivering for its customers and the environment”.

Mr Gruffydd highlighted issues including “pollution, leakages, drinking water quality problems, and supply interruptions” as problems the company is “struggling” with.

He continued: “On top of the constant sewage discharges which we’re all too familiar with, there’s only one conclusion to be drawn – Welsh Water needs to up its game.”

The North Wales MS called for “long-term sustainable” solutions as the impact of climate change worsens, and said: “It’s a challenging task, but it’s one Welsh Water must rise to.”

Mr Gruffydd added: “Welsh Water must work harder and faster to return to its position as an industry leader in environmental performance – something it has already demonstrated it’s capable of being.

“Unfortunately for the people of Wales, their current performance is not up to scratch.”

A Welsh Water spokesperson welcomed the committee’s report and said: “We have been very disappointed with our recent performance but are well on with implementing the detailed plans we have drawn up to deliver the improvements needed.

“However, there are no easy or quick fixes. We will not shy away from these challenges and are targeting a return to achieving three-star environmental performance for the 2024 reporting year.”

The spokesperson added: “By the end of this year we hope to have our record £3.5bn business plan for 2025 to 2030 approved by Ofwat.

“This doubles investment in environmental performance and makes possible significant improvements across those other areas referred to in the committee’s report where we are not where we want to be. 

“We are reviewing the detail in the report and will respond in full in due course.”

The report, published by the environment committee, has also called on the Welsh Government to lay out its timetable for banning wet wipes containing plastic.

It comes after the committee heard how wet wipes cause the majority of blockages.