Consultation on shaping the future of water governance in Wales

Welsh government sets out proposals for cleaner rivers, stronger regulation and better accountability of water 

The Welsh government is inviting people’s views on proposed sweeping changes to the governance of water. 

Photo by Yoann Boyer / Unsplash

The proposals are set out in a Green Paper entitled Shaping the future of water governance in Wales, which is itself a response to the findings of the Independent Water Commission published in July 2025. The commission was set up jointly by the Welsh government and UK government to undertake the most comprehensive examination of the water sector since privatisation.   

Proposals in the new Green paper include creating a dedicated Welsh economic regulator for water, supported by new legislation and a modern regulatory framework designed to encourage investment and protect the environment.   

The Welsh government says it is committed to creating a regulatory environment that supports long-term investment in Welsh water infrastructure while protecting the public interest. Last week, it announced a further £5m in the budget for 2026-27 to strengthen enforcement on matters of water quality.  

Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister, says: ‘Our ambition is clear and bold: clean and thriving rivers, safe and high-quality drinking water, fair and affordable services, and modern infrastructure ready for the future. We will strengthen accountability, rebuild trust and create a system that is simpler, stronger and more transparent.   

‘Wales now faces an urgent reality. Climate and nature emergencies, ageing infrastructure and public concerns about water quality demand decisive action. The system we have today was designed for a different era. It is time for a fundamental reset. 

‘The consultation is now open and we welcome views, evidence and insight from individuals, organisations and communities across Wales. I welcome your contribution to this national conversation. Together, we share a responsibility to leave our water environment in a better state than we found it—resilient, sustainable and ready for future generations. That work begins now.’