A Powys MP has said they are "deeply disappointed" in Welsh Water’s environmental record after the supplier was downgraded for its environmental record.
MP for Brecon and Radnorshire Fay Jones has criticised the company for its recent downgrading by Natural Resources Wales for its poor environmental record and lack of transparency.
Natural Resources Wales now rates the company as at two stars where they were classed as “requiring improvement” for its increase in serious pollution incidents and a lack of self reporting of pollution.
READ MORE: Welsh Water downgraded in report after poor pollution record
“It is extremely disappointing that Welsh Water’s Environmental Assessment Rating has been reduced to two stars,” said Ms Jones.
“The rise in pollution incidents of a serious nature and drop in the number of self-reported incidents are particularly concerning given the importance of dealing with these events quickly and the crying need for more transparency in the sector.”
OTHER NEWS:
- Council cannot justify new footpath on 'highly dangerous' section of Powys road
- Newtown family overwhelmed by donations after losing home to fire
- Couple say solar "nightmare" has destroyed their home and their business
This year’s report places Welsh Water among the lowest performers across the whole of the UK, with pollution incidents rising by 2% in 2022 compared to the previous year, and 89 pollution incidents in total.
Ms Jones added she found the lack of self-reporting as opposed to those that were reported by others “particularly disappointing” given the importance of transparency and rapid response to incidents.
She added: “This development is extremely concerning given the already huge impact on our landscapes posed by river pollution and risks faced by those who expect quite rightly to be able to enjoy Brecon and Radnorshire’s beautiful rivers without fear of sewage-derived illnesses.
“Residents expect quite rightly to be able to enjoy Brecon and Radnorshire’s beautiful rivers without fear of sewage derived illnesses.
"This development only strengthens my view that we need to take radical action to tackle this problem, in particular a cross-border and agency taskforce.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here