Statement: “2025 must be the year we save our waterways,” says Future Generations Commissioner, Derek Walker, as major water review announced
23/10/24
The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Derek Walker, says a major review of the UK’s water industry is a once-in-a-generation chance to save our waterways.
The new independent water commission, announced by the UK Government, is seeking to help shape new legislation to reform the water sector after years of pollution to our rivers and seas.
Mr Walker said: “People are fed up with excuses and want accountability – 2025 needs to be the year we save our waterways.
“This major, overdue review is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to overhaul the way we protect the long-term health of our rivers, seas and the water that’s essential to life.
“While water companies are key players, we must not take our eye off the impact of agricultural pollution to waterways and the need for farmers to be supported to make the changes needed for a water system that will sustain people and nature in the future.”
Mr Walker has made climate and nature one of his missions in his seven-year plan, Cymru Can, and has been working alongside the Interim Environmental Protection Assessor for Wales, who issued a Call for Evidence around whether the laws to protect Wales’ waterways are fit for purpose.
Findings will be published in early 2025. Mr Walker said the Welsh Government’s Agricultural Pollution Regulation review, due for completion in April, should be another major step towards a fundamental water clean-up.