'Our rivers are in a desperate state of affairs'

YOU'VE probably heard or seen numerous warnings saying that river health is increasingly becoming a cause of concern.

- BETHANY GAVAGHAN

But to what extend have our rivers become sick in Wales?

Seven of nine specially designated rivers in Wales are now polluted with phosphorous which is an essential nutrient that can eventually become harmful in excess due to human activities. These include the Wye, Teifi, Usk, Cleddau, Dee, Eden and Gwyrfai.

Phosphorous pollution can lead to rapid growth of algae and poor water quality through a process known as eutrophication.

Currently in Wales, only 44.5% of rivers are in good ecological status, so here's a whistle stop tour of some of the key conversations going on which you might want to be aware of relating to how serious the situation is.

Firstly, experts say that high levels of phosphorous in rivers are one of the key barriers to waterways achieving good ecological status and ensuring rivers are in good health.

They say it is vital, not only for wildlife, but also for the quality of water needed by people across Wales and beyond.

The next solution could come from Natural Resources Wales' second public consultation as it takes the next steps towards future plans to manage the health of Wales' rivers, streams, lakes, groundwaters and coastal waters.

The consultation started on Tuesday and will end on April 21 next year, giving people the opportunity to have their say on the current challenges facing Wales' waters and the actions needed to overcome them.

Sustainable water and nature manager at NRW, Dr Rhian Thomas, said: "Our waters are under increasing pressure and threat from climate change and human activity.