Phosphates too high in more protected river systems

Water quality standards have fallen in two more of Wales' most protected river networks, meaning seven of the nine river systems are failing to meet phosphate level targets.

Environmental groups say "urgent action" is needed to tackle what they call "unacceptable" phosphate pollution in networks classes as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).

Environment watchdog, Natural Resources Wales (NRW), says two river systems in north west Wales, Afon Gwyrfai and Afon Eden, both previously met phosphate targets but will now face further interventions to improve water quality.

The five other rivers missing the phosphate target are the Teifi, Cleddau, Dee, Usk and Wye.

Phosphates are naturally occurring minerals found in human and animal waste.

They aid growth of plants but can lead to a dramatic growth in algae and deplete oxygen levels when they enter water courses in large quantities.

NRW says the Afon Gwyrfai system will be subject to housing development restrictions to prevent further phosphates impacting water quality.

In 2021 NRW set new targets for phosphate pollution in Special Areas of Conservation across Wales.

Commenting on the latest data NRW Head of Natural Resource Management Mary Lewis said that since then there had been "action at scale – by ourselves as environmental regulators, government, industry and communities – to improve the health of our rivers"".

"What is important now is that we use this evidence to continue to work towards our shared goal of better river health for people and nature," she said.

"We must keep up the momentum that has been built in recent years, and we must all play our part in driving down phosphorus and pollution in our waters."

Tim Birch from Wildlife Trusts Wales said "urgent action" was needed.

"Despite public outcry and political promises, today's evidence shows worsening river pollution in seven of nine of our most protected natural rivers in Wales," he said.

"These special rivers are officially recognised for their high importance for wildlife, yet two more are now showing significant deterioration since their last assessment in 2021, putting water quality and even more wildlife at risk.

"At a time when our rivers should be improving, not worsening, these levels of phosphorous pollution are unacceptable," he added.

In total, 122 individual water bodies within Wales' SAC rivers were assessed.

Half were now found to be meeting targets for phosphorous compliance, compared with 39% in 2021.