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The Welsh government has set out its plans for a “more integrated” approach to water and management in its first ever water strategy.
The document, unveiled on Wednesday, aims to create a “more integrated and sustainable approach” to managing water and natural resources in the country.
A key part of the strategy is the mantra “prevention is better than cure” and the Welsh government aims to work with stakeholders to introduce cost effective solutions to protect water quality and the natural environment.
Among the changes in the water strategy is a plan to reform the water abstraction licensing system in Wales, with the new regime set to include historically exempt areas, such as for navigation and quarry dewatering.
River Basin Management Plan Liaison groups will have their role expanded to encourage work at a local level to tackle the issue of diffuse pollution.
Payment for Ecosystem Services and community engagement schemes will be developed to encourage landowners to ensure the provision of the environment and water quality.
Further research and a programme to address water poverty has been outlined, along with plans for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) to be constructed for all new developments.
The Welsh minister for natural resources Carl Sargeant said: “This will ensure we have the right approach in place to sustainably manage our natural resources in a more proactive and joined up way.
“It will also drive green growth, ensure resource efficiency, enhance the resilience and diversity of our environment and help us tackle poverty.
“Our investment and effort must be focussed on achieving multiple outcomes. By adopting a something for something approach we can maximise long-term benefit from public investment.”
He added that the Welsh government will continue to push for the devolution of all water and sewerage matters to the Welsh assembly to “ensure that we have the appropriate tools and powers to deliver our strategy’s objectives”.
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