Afonydd Cymru welcomes report into Welsh river pollution
The report acknowledges the unique legislative and policy needs of Wales, as water management is a devolved issue.
Afonydd Cymru, a representative body for Welsh rivers, has welcomed the report's recognition of these differences, as the recommendations will now be considered by the Welsh Government rather than Westminster.
The report calls for more strategic direction from the Welsh Government across the whole water sector, not just the water industry.
It points out that pollution from all sectors, especially agriculture in Wales, needs to be resolved to restore rivers.
The report challenges favourable comparisons between Wales and England regarding the state of rivers, stating that claims of 43 per cent of Wales's water bodies being in 'Good Ecological Status' and 90 per cent in 'Good Chemical Status' may not be accurate.
This discrepancy is attributed to less stringent assessments by Natural Resources Wales compared to the Environment Agency in England, according to Afonydd Cymru.
The report recommends tighter regulation of sewage sludge spreading on farmland, a move welcomed by Afonydd Cymru.
The sludge contains nutrients, toxic chemicals, and heavy metals, which can end up in rivers.
This change aligns with calls for regulating the spreading of digestate in Wales.
One major recommendation is the creation of a new economic regulator for water, a move already initiated by the Westminster Government with the announcement of Ofwat's abolition.
In Wales, the Deputy First Minister has also stated that there will be a new economic regulator for water, although further details are yet to be announced.
However, the report was criticised for its lack of a clear plan for cross-border rivers, recommending their management be split along borders.
Afonydd Cymru argues that rivers like the Severn, Dee, and Wye would be better managed on a catchment basis.
The Welsh Government has stated it will take time to consider the full 465 pages and 88 recommendations of the report, which marks the most significant review of water management in 35 years.
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