Wales to get water watchdog as Ofwat scrapped

PLANS have been announced for Wales to get its own water watchdog as Ofwat, the current regulator, is to be scrapped.

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The Welsh Government will have to decide if a new organisation will be set up or whether it will come under the umbrella of Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

The Independent Water Commission chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe carried out the largest review of the sector since it was privatised following widespread concerns over pollution, bills and bosses’ pay.

The 465-page review, published yesterday, said Wales’ water system was “distinct and unique”. “Water holds deep cultural significance in Wales, and it remains a sensitive issue, particularly due to historical events such as the creation of the Treweryn reservoir,” it said.

It recommends a new water strategy for Wales and a review of legislation covering water here, as well as a review of water standards.

Since devolution, Wales has gained increasing authority over water and environmental policy and water is now fully devolved.

However, the report says Welsh consumers are “not adequately protected”.

The report explains how the situation with water is different in Wales to England. “Wales has a significantly higher proportion of land used for agriculture, 90% compared to 67% in England.

“Agricultural and transport runoff are major contributors to river pollution in Wales, with 62% of phosphorous loading across Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) rivers in Wales attributed to agriculture, with 28% attributed to storm overflows.”