Welsh SAC rivers phosphorous levels' 'slight improvements' | Free Press Series

Phosphorus levels in Welsh Special Area of Conservation (SAC) rivers have shown slight improvements.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has released new and interim water quality data, highlighting the need for continued efforts to combat water pollution.

According to the data, 50 per cent of water bodies in Welsh SAC rivers now meet strict phosphorus targets, up from 39 per cent in 2021.

A total of 122 individual water bodies within Wales's nine SAC rivers were assessed, eight more than in the 2021 report.

Of those assessed in both 2021 and 2024, 17 moved to a pass, while five fell out of compliance.

However, the number of whole SAC river catchments with non-compliances increased from five in 2021 to seven.

The River Wye has seen improvements downstream which now passes the phosphorous target.

This means that development restrictions on neutrality can be lifted but only in the most downstream water body.

There will still be sustainable development required in order to continue to maintain compliance.

Mary Lewis, NRW's head of natural resource management, said: "The results for our Special Area of Conservation rivers are encouraging, and suggest that the scale of action undertaken in recent years is starting to make a difference.

"But we must also remember that there is a lag between our actions and measurable improvements in water quality, and it will certainly take more time before we see the kind of significant improvements we all want."

Since NRW's 2021 phosphorus compliance report, nutrient management boards have been established in failing SAC catchments to reduce phosphate pollution.

A series of river pollution summits led by Welsh Government ministers have brought together key representatives from different industries to deliver a plan of actions.

This includes an extensive project led by NRW to review the environmental permits of larger wastewater discharges in SAC catchments.

NRW has varied 162 permits to include or tighten a phosphorus limit.

The Welsh Government is committing £16 million to NRW's Water Capital Programme in the next financial year to help tackle some of the key challenges facing Welsh waters.

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