9. Short Debate: Water in Wales: Challenges relating to water poverty and quality

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:09 pm on 28 September 2022.

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Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 5:09, 28 September 2022

Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Thank you very much for the opportunity to talk about the very important and topical issues of both water poverty and water quality. Our water sector is indeed facing an immediate and unprecedented challenge. Climate change means that over the next 20 years Wales faces wetter winters, hotter, drier summers, rising sea levels and more frequent and intense extreme weather events. The need to achieve decarbonisation, climate resilience and reverse the decline in biodiversity will require innovative solutions, behaviour change and long-term investment in our water infrastructure. At the same time, the cost-of-living challenges are the most acute in a generation, placing pressure on household incomes and the ability of many to pay for essentials like food, water and energy. These pressures, coupled with the current economic and geopolitical uncertainty, mean that it’s essential for us to continue to drive forward with the Welsh Government’s commitment to tackle poverty by prioritising the needs of the poorest and protecting those most at risk of poverty and exclusion. As Joel has rightly said, ensuring access to fair and affordable water and sewerage services for people and businesses is an important factor in reducing poverty, and we are taking steps to evaluate how we can achieve this in the best and most efficient way.