Welsh Government commits to full implementation of independent review into agricultural water pollution regulations

Daniel Bevan - Senior Journalist

The Welsh Government has announced it will fully implement all recommendations from an independent review of the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021, published today alongside its official response.

The review, led by Dr Susannah Bolton, assessed the effectiveness of current measures to reduce agricultural pollution and found that while the existing regulatory framework is fundamentally sound, significant improvements can be made to benefit both the environment and farmers.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who has responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, welcomed the review and confirmed all recommendations will be acted upon.

He said: “Clean water in our rivers, lakes and seas is vital for us all. We need it for drinking, enjoying the outdoors, and growing food – all parts of our daily lives depend on it, and we must do everything possible to improve water quality for future generations.”

“Whilst the causes of pollution are not limited to any one sector, agriculture remains one of the main contributors. The review agrees with our overall approach to the regulations but also shows ways we can make things better for both farmers and our environment. I plan to put all these recommendations into action.”

The review was commissioned in response to ongoing concerns from farming stakeholders about the proportionality and clarity of the regulations, particularly in relation to the 170kg nitrogen per hectare manure limit and closed periods for spreading slurry.

Dr Bolton’s report makes recommendations across five key areas:

Targeting regulations more precisely at higher-risk activities, while easing burdens on low-risk farming operations.
Improving clarity and accessibility of the rules for farmers.
Exploring alternatives to current closed periods and nitrogen limits.
Encouraging innovation in sustainable agricultural practices.
Closing regulatory gaps, such as those relating to soil protection and nutrient management planning.

“The engagement I have conducted for this review has demonstrated that there are strongly shared aspirations for improving water quality in Wales,” said Dr Bolton.

“I am genuinely optimistic that the recommended changes will enable a greater degree of common agency and shared responsibility to address the challenges.”

Some of the less complex improvements—particularly those around simplifying and clarifying the regulations—will be made quickly. More technical changes, especially those involving scientific research and industry consultation, will take longer to implement.

The current regulatory framework will remain in force while new measures are developed, and the Welsh Government has pledged to work closely with stakeholders to ensure any new rules are “fair and reasonable,” without compromising the goal of reducing pollution from agriculture.

The decision signals a clear commitment to balancing environmental protection with the practical realities of farming, as part of wider efforts to restore water quality and meet climate and biodiversity goals across Wales.