A new report from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) today has found an increasing number of Welsh rivers are failing on phosphate pollution levels, with seven of nine Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) now heavily polluted. While these special rivers have the highest level of environmental protection, the findings, released today by NRW, reveal worsening levels of pollution, with both Eden and Gwyrfai SACs joining the growing list of rivers that exceed safe levels of phosphorous.

Phosphorous pollution can lead to rapid growth of algae and poor water quality through a process known as eutrophication. Algal growth prevents light from penetrating our rivers and uses up oxygen in the water, suffocating other species in the process.

This pollution can lead to fish deaths and harm to other aquatic life which call Welsh rivers home. High levels of phosphorous in rivers are one of the key barriers to waterways achieving good ecological status, and ensuring rivers are in good health is vital, not only for wildlife, but also for the quality of water needed by people across Wales and beyond.

Reflecting on the findings of today’s report, Tim Birch, senior policy and advocacy manager at Wildlife Trusts Wales, says:

“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. 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.”

The increase in pollution of rivers in Wales is at odds with the Welsh Government’s UN Convention on Biological Diversity international commitment to reduce damaging levels of nutrients in all water bodies by at least 50% by 2030.

As Tim continues: “At a time when our rivers should be improving not worsening, these levels of phosphorous pollution are unacceptable. Run-off from slurry and fertilisers from intensive farming are the main causes leading to phosphorous pollution in Welsh rivers. Natural Resources Wales needs to recognise the scale of this problem so that urgent action can be taken to restore our rivers for the benefit of wildlife and people.”