Future generations deserve more of a fight from all of us for clean rivers and seas, says the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Derek Walker, as he asks people to share evidence on the reality of their waterways.

Young girl sitting by the side of the river Teifi smiling at the camera
Bronwen, age five, at the River Teifi.

Today, ahead of Wales Nature Week, the commissioner is announcing that he is working alongside the Interim Environmental Protection Assessor for Wales, Dr Nerys Llewellyn Jones, who has issued a Call for Evidence on water quality.

The Interim Environmental Protection Assessor for Wales oversees the functioning of environmental law in Wales and provides independent advice to Welsh ministers to improve environmental outcomes.

For the first time, a Call for Evidence this summer will gather evidence about whether the laws to protect Wales’ waterways are fit for purpose. 

The review will be led by Anna Heslop, the Deputy Interim Environmental Protection Assessor, working alongside the Future Generations Commissioner, and its findings used to set recommendations for Welsh ministers, due to be published this autumn, to inform how Wales can improve its laws to reduce pollution and protect our environment and people’s health.  

Derek Walker, who became Future Generations Commissioner for Wales in March 2023, made climate and nature a priority in his seven-year strategy, Cymru Can. Part of his role is to challenge public bodies including Welsh Government to act now in the interests of current and future generations, and to work together to prevent problems occurring.

Man and woman sat by edge of River Teifi looking at camera
The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Derek Walker (right) is working alongside the Interim Environmental Protection Assessor for Wales, Dr Nerys Llewellyn Jones, who has issued a Call for Evidence on water quality. Photo by Mark Griffiths.

 

He said: “We know our waterways are in crisis with problems including sewage leaks, agricultural pollution and chemical spills and for current and future generations, we have to act now to save them.

“People are fed up with excuses and want accountability – and to be assured that we’ll have access to clean water and thriving nature in the future. 

“The laws and regulations relating to water quality are complex – Wales has its own environmental legislation, a different regulator and a not-for-profit water company. It’s time to review how these laws are working.  

“From walkers to swimmers, to anybody worried about water quality and the future of nature and our wildlife, I urge people to share their lived experience as part of this Call for Evidence, along with their observations, concerns and ideas about how the law could be improved. 

“Recovering the health of our rivers and the health of people who rely on them, can’t wait.” 

Anna Heslop, the Deputy interim Environmental Protection Assessor said “Clean water is a necessity, not only to provide healthy rivers and lakes, but also to support people’s well-being. We are keen to understand people’s views on how the current laws are working, and if there are better ways we could be doing things in Wales.”