6. What action is the Welsh Government taking to improve water security in Wales? OQ58387

Thank you. Our natural resources are under pressure from climate change, extreme weather and population growth. A more integrated and sustainable approach to the way we manage our water resources will enable us to maximise economic and social benefits in an equitable way, whilst protecting vital ecosystems and the environment.

Thank you, Minister. All of us in this Chamber know that this summer has been exceptionally hot and dry for a long period of time; indeed, March to August this year is likely to be the third-driest six-month period since records began in 1865. Despite a recent increase in rainfall, Natural Resources Wales confirmed earlier this month that all parts of Wales have moved to drought status. Obviously, this is of concern for people across the country who will need a reliable water supply for basic everyday activity. The lack of rainfall has placed even more pressure on the agricultural sector at an already difficult time, potentially increasing the cost of food further. Minister, how is the Welsh Government working with partners such as the UK Government, Welsh Water and NRW to secure better water supplies in Wales, and what considerations are you giving to accessing additional water supplies? I'll give you an example in my own constituency, where the water being pumped out from the Severn tunnel—the great spring, some 11 million gallons a day—is pouring into the Severn estuary. Some of that water is already used by a local brewery, some used to be used by the old paper mill, but there are 11 million gallons a day, and that could be perfect water that could be funneled and tunneled into local reservoirs, or whatever. It's just an example of how we could do more in this changing time we have. 

Thank you. The Member is right; we are in drought status right across Wales, and certainly we've seen some prolonged dry weather this year. I think, again, it reflects the challenges that we do face in tackling climate change. I think one of the first things I would say is it's really important that we all, every single one of us—every member of the public, every business—use water wisely, and that we continue to use water wisely not just while we're in drought status, but all the time, and manage this very precious resource at this time. The Welsh Government brought together a drought liaison group—that was convened, I think, probably, early August. That continues to meet weekly, and that brings all stakeholders from right across Wales together to help steer the direction and agree the actions that we need to protect Welsh water resources. NRW's drought teams across Wales continue to meet regularly and, certainly, from my own portfolio, from an agricultural point of view, my officials continue to meet with them as well. There's a lot of ecological monitoring going on. They respond to incidents very quickly.

The point you raise around the Severn tunnel, I am aware of that. I think there have been some further discussions, or I think the Minister is looking, perhaps, to have some further discussions—I know that there were some in the past—between the water companies and Network Rail to see what could be done, maybe the potential transfer of the pumped tunnel water, for instance, to the main supply infrastructure. I don't think there have been any recent developments, but as I say, I think the Minister is looking to see what further can be done.