New Action Plan Launched to Secure the Long-term Future of Water Resources in Wales

Environment Agency Wales (EAW) has set out a long-term plan to ensure sufficient water for people, the economy and the environment in the face of future challenges from climate change and a growing population.

The Water Resources Action Plan sets the direction for how EAW will work with other organisations to protect and improve water resources in the future. Measures outlined include investigating the future impact of climate change on water resources and water supply, streamlining the permitting process for hydropower developments and actions to reduce water consumption across all sectors to help lower carbon emissions.

Climate change could reduce the total annual amount of water available in rivers in Wales by up to 15 per cent by 2050, and there may potentially be an additional 400,000 people living and working in Wales, which will stretch water supplies even further.

Chris Mills, Director, EAW said: ‘People and business need to value water and use it more efficiently. The actions in our new plan cover steps that need to be taken by water companies, Government, regulators, business and the public. We need a joined up approach to managing water supplies to prevent water shortages in the future. Good water resources management will benefit society, the economy and ensure the environment remains protected.’

The action plan can be found at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/wrs.

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