Living Waters for Wales
Environment Agency Wales is asking people and businesses to give their views on how to improve waters across Wales as part of the Living Waters for Wales, a six month consultation to find out the best ways to create an even better natural water environment. For the first time ever, all issues affecting water can be addressed together to find shared solutions to improving water quality, supply, flood risk and to reducing pollution.
Water quality in Wales has improved considerably over the past twenty years. This is a great opportunity to ensure that our water environment reaches an even higher standard. The Agency has opened the consultation to everyone and is particularly keen to hear from farmers, water companies, anglers, industry and those involved in mining, quarrying and navigation. Information sharing sessions will be held locally by the Agency and other organisations between now and 22 nd June to develop a final plan that sets out an agreed way of improving Wales' waters for everybody. Chris Mills, Director Environment Agency Wales says: 'Wales' waters are there for us all. We use and enjoy them in very many different ways and we all need to look after them We're wise enough to know that solutions aren't instant or simple. We now have the opportunity of a lifetime to collectively set out the next steps for improving things for the future. We will work on a long term programme of environmental improvements to make local rivers a better place for wildlife and all water users.
We need help from people who know about their local area. We ask anybody who has an interest in the health of our waters to take a look at our website or come to one of the local discussion sessions being run over the next six months. Jane Davidson, Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing says: 'The quality of Wales' water environment affects us all and the Welsh Assembly Government is determined to protect our rivers, lakes and coastal waters for future generations. 'This is an opportunity for the people of Wales to have their say on how we defend and improve our waterways to make sure they are a healthy, thriving environment for both mankind and wildlife.'