Keeping track of improvements to Wales’ water environment

The Clear Waters partnership project is helping people better understand how water company investment supports our natural environment. Here, Ruth Johnston who leads NRW’s Integrated Water Planning team, sets out how progress on more than 3,000 environmental actions in Wales is being tracked - and what happens next.

“During the previous Price Review in 2024 (PR24), colleagues working on the National Environment Programme identified thousands of improvements to be delivered over the coming years by the water companies operating in Wales.

“These actions relate to long‑standing pressures on our rivers, coasts and habitats and reflect growing expectations from communities who want to see cleaner, healthier waters.

“They include installing Event Duration Monitors (EDMs) at emergency overflows and network pumping stations, tackling sources of pollution, and putting measures in place to reduce harm to fish and wildlife in rivers where it is most needed - delivering real and lasting improvements to water quality and ecosystem health.

“Five water companies operate in or receive water from Wales, and our role is to oversee delivery of the environmental obligations agreed through PR24 during Asset Management Plan period 8 (AMP8) setting out what needs to be delivered to protect the environment and support communities.

“Ofwat has agreed funding worth £1.7 billion for water companies to deliver environmental improvements - one of the largest investments ever made to protect and improve the water environment in Wales. This investment supports vital work ranging from infrastructure upgrades to targeted action in sensitive catchments, helping to address issues that have built up over decades.

“We will make sure this work stays on track and delivers the intended outcomes by setting clear timelines for actions and closely monitor progress. Water companies provide regular updates on delivery, allowing us to understand progress, support continued momentum and step in early where challenges arise.

“We also carry out checks on delivery, which helps us identify risks early and supports sustained improvement over time.

“While delivery is underway through AMP8, we are starting work to inform the next Price Review, PR29, which will cover the period from 2030 to 2035 (AMP9). The work being delivered now, and the lessons we are learning along the way, will help shape future priorities as plans develop.

“Protecting and restoring Wales’ waters is a long‑term task, but by securing investment, working with water companies and closely monitoring progress, we are focused on supporting meaningful improvements now and into the future.”

About Clear Waters

Between 2025 and 2030, water companies across England and Wales will deliver a £104 billion expenditure programme aimed at accelerating improvements to river and sea water quality and securing long-term drinking water supplies. Clear Waters aims to help customers and stakeholders easily understand what environmental benefits this substantial programme will deliver and to ensure progress can be tracked effectively.

The Clear Waters partnership is planning activity over the summer, if you'd like to be involved, please contact clearwaters@ofwat.gov.uk.