The Welsh Government has acknowledged and responded to a series of ambitions in a report to help restore the health of Welsh rivers.
The top five priorities put forward were:
- Reducing Intensive Agriculture Runoff
- Strengthening Enforcement of Environmental Regulations
- Implementing Nature-Based Solutions (Wetlands and Riparian buffer zones)
- Adopting a Catchment Management Approach
- Establishing a National Environmental Data-Sharing Platform
Livery Company members, including the Water Conservators, participated in a workshop in November 2024 in Cardiff, and follow up discussions, organised by the Archbishop of Wales in Cardiff. A wide number of organisations presented and discussed the challenges facing water courses in Wales including farmers, regulators, community groups, industry and business. They outlined twelve areas they felt Welsh Government should focus on including five key areas to ensure that the rivers of Wales are given the care and attention they deserve.
It was reported that currently, around 60% of Welsh rivers fail to meet good ecological status (NRW, 2023). Pollution sources include agricultural runoff, sewage discharge, industrial waste, and urban drainage. The River Wye, Usk, and Teifi are among the worst affected, primarily due to excessive phosphate levels and habitat destruction. This breakdown highlighted the need for both policy reform and stronger enforcement, as approximately 70% of river damage resulted from legal but harmful practices due to weak regulations, outdated policies, and lack of enforcement, while the remaining 30% stemmed from direct lawbreaking, including illegal pollution, permit breaches, and negligence by businesses, farmers, and water companies.
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