What is the Welsh Government doing to improve water quality in Wales and help stem the flow of sewage into the sea?
Wales has the best bathing water quality in the UK - all of our designated bathing waters meet the minimum standards, and the vast majority exceed them.
There are tight regulatory controls over the number and volume of discharges from Combined Storm Overflows (CSOs) located near coastal bathing waters. They are only permitted to discharge when the sewer network has reached capacity due to heavy rainfall and where there is a risk of sewage backing up into properties. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) have identified and reduced the spill frequency of all storm overflows which could affect designated bathing water. DCWW have completed a significant programme of engineering works to ensure their CSO assets comply with the performance standards required in bathing water catchments.
The water companies in Wales have adopted the Storm Overflow Assessment Framework (SOAF) and have allocated over £30 million to reduce discharges and prevent environmental harm. NRW will help ensure this investment is targeted appropriately so that the framework aligns with the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources principles, as set out in the Environment (Wales) Act 2016.
The Programme for Government commits us to improving inland waters and strengthening river water quality monitoring. We need to consider all pressures on our waters and are adopting a multi-sector approach to secure sustainable solutions which deliver not only the water quality improvements we need but also positive outcomes on biodiversity, net zero and climate adaptation
The Welsh Government collaborated with the water industry, regulators and UK and devolved Governments via the 21st Century Drainage Programme, to develop a framework, guidance and methodology for water companies to improve long-term planning for drainage and wastewater management. The programme secured agreement on a framework for Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans (DWMPs), which includes technical guidance, evidence gathering, consultation with partners and the wider community. This will form the basis for DWMPs being put on a statutory footing in Wales.
As a first step, water companies in Wales are preparing DWMPs on a non-statutory basis. These will be published for public consultation in 2022 .They will help identify where investment should be prioritised, and the best method to do this. Collaboration between local authorities, land owners, and the water companies will be key to delivering these plans and improving water quality to which the Welsh Government is committed.