AM Welcomes Improvement

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT IN RIVER WATER QUALITY
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is welcoming new data released by the Environment Agency which shows that the quality of water in rivers in Wales continues to improve.
Figures from the Environment Agency’s annual General Quality Assessment (GQA) show that in 2007 95 per cent of rivers in Wales achieved ‘very good’ or ‘good’ status. This figure is up from 86 per cent in 1990.
Corresponding figures for English rivers were 76 per cent in 2007 and 55 per cent in 1990.
The biological quality of rivers also continued to improve, with 87 per cent of rivers in Wales achieving ‘very good’ or ‘good’ status last year, up from 79 per cent in 1990.
Corresponding figures for English rivers were 72 per cent in 2007 and 55 per cent in 1990.
Mr Sargeant said: “Water quality in Welsh rivers has improved for the 18th year running.
“New tougher assessments have now been brought in to focus on the ecological health of rivers, as well as lakes, estuaries, coastal waters and groundwater. The Environment Agency will now be looking at up to 37 measures of water quality, such as the health of river insects and plants, in order to grade the waters.
“This new measurement will help improve understanding of the water environment as well as the health of associated animals and plants, so that we can work for continued improvements.”
ENDS