The Water Framework Directive places legal
obligations on Welsh Water through new and
changed permits for abstractions and
discharges. Welsh Water will investigate the
impact of our operations on waterbodies,
where we are the confirmed, probable (or
suspected) cause of water quality failure.
Natural Resources Wales and the
Environment Agency may impose new permits
on us to meet the Water Framework Directive.
We will work with Natural Resources Wales,
the Environment Agency and other
stakeholders to understand the impact of our
operations and those of others on waterbodies
where we are the confirmed, probable (or
suspected) cause of water quality failure. We
aim to develop solutions that are appropriate
for the catchment to achieve ‘good’
environmental status. There is likely to be
significant investment to reduce the impact of
operations on the environment, in such
instances, for example to reduce nutrient
levels entering waterbodies from our assets.
As part of the 21st Century Drainage
Programme, we will work with Ofwat and
Water UK to effectively plan for the longerterm
challenges in our sector. As part of this
response, we will be improving monitoring and
performance of our sewer overflows,
addressing sewer misuse, and reducing
groundwater infiltration.