Written question WQ89429

My officials and I work closely with NRW. We have been very clear that we expect water companies in Wales to work much harder to deliver both operational and environmental improvements in addition to excellent services to customers across all areas of operation.

NRW are an independent regulator. They have strong regulatory powers to enforce where water companies fail to deliver, and we expect the appropriate enforcement action to be taken. NRW will prioritise cases for prosecution where they have clear evidence of serious environmental impact, and where enforcement action will lead to a positive benefit to the environment.

Presenting fines to water companies does not automatically equate to realising environmental improvements for water quality that we all want to see.

I am keen to ensure a proportionate approach is taken where compliance is ensured, environmental improvements are realised and there is resilient wastewater infrastructure for future generations.