The Welsh government has unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of the nation's water system, featuring the establishment of a new regulator, a nationwide plan to upgrade pipes and sewers, and stricter controls on the use of sewage sludge as fertilizer.

According to ministers, these sweeping reforms will pave the way for improved water quality, more effective regulation, and increased accountability, marking a significant shift in the country's approach to water management.

Implementing these changes will be a long-term process, requiring the Senedd to be granted new powers and substantial funding, which cannot be covered solely by customer bills, indicating a need for alternative funding sources.

Afonydd Cymru, a representative body for river trusts in Wales, has expressed cautious optimism about the proposals, describing them as a "beacon of hope" while urging the government to expedite the implementation process.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies announced the plans at a press conference held at Lisvane and Llanishen reservoirs, emphasizing the need for a "fundamental reset" in the country's approach to water management.

He cited the pressing issues of climate change, nature emergencies, aging infrastructure, and public concerns over water quality as driving the need for decisive action to address these challenges.

The reforms come on the heels of a major review, commissioned in response to growing public dissatisfaction with the performance of water companies, which called for a complete overhaul of industry oversight in Wales and England.

In January, the UK government outlined its response, including the creation of a new water watchdog for England that would conduct unannounced inspections and regular checks on infrastructure, setting a precedent for similar reforms in Wales.

As control over water is largely devolved to Cardiff Bay, the Welsh government has developed its own set of plans, including the establishment of a standalone regulatory body to replace Ofwat in Wales.

This new body would serve as the "economic regulator and system planner" for water in Wales, supporting long-term investment in infrastructure and overseeing a national planning effort to upgrade the country's aging pipes and sewers.

By taking on this national planning role, the government aims to create a more integrated and responsive approach to water management, addressing the complex challenges facing the sector.

The proposed reforms would deliver a more cohesive and effective system, according to the government, with the new regulator working in tandem with existing bodies to achieve this goal.

However, environmental regulation and pollution oversight would remain the responsibility of Natural Resources Wales (NRW), differing from the approach proposed for England, where a single, unified watchdog is envisioned.

Before the new organization can be established, the Welsh government must secure new powers from the UK government and pass legislation in the Senedd, a process that will require careful coordination and planning.

The new regulator is not expected to be operational until the early 2030s, highlighting the long-term nature of these reforms and the need for patience and persistence.

In the interim, the government plans to develop a new national water strategy for Wales, spanning the next 25 years, to replace the existing document published in 2015 and provide a roadmap for future development.

The ability of water companies to self-monitor and report their performance will be reviewed, acknowledging concerns about the reliability of these systems and the need for more robust oversight.

To address these concerns, the government may introduce additional measures, such as increased automation and inspections, to provide greater assurance and transparency.

Stricter controls on the spreading of sewage and septic tank sludge as fertilizer, as well as limits on the use of digestate from anaerobic digestion plants, are also proposed, aiming to mitigate the environmental impacts of these practices.

Afonydd Cymru has expressed particular enthusiasm for these proposals, citing the inappropriate spreading of sewage sludge as a major contributor to high nutrient levels in Welsh rivers and a cause of catastrophic incidents.

Chief executive Gail Davies-Walsh has welcomed the government's proposals, seeing them as an opportunity for significant positive change, while emphasizing the need for swift action to capitalize on this momentum.

However, she cautioned that the consultation process is only the first step, and the government must move quickly to turn these plans into reality, as the current situation demands urgent attention.

The issue of funding remains unresolved, with Davies-Walsh noting that the required investment will exceed what can be raised through customer bills, necessitating alternative funding sources.

Wales' Future Generations Commissioner Derek Walker has characterized the announcement as a "wake-up call" for the water industry, emphasizing the need for a seamless transition to the new regulatory body.

He stressed that everything must be done to ensure the transition occurs without delay, prioritizing long-term environmental recovery, affordability, and strengthened compliance and regulation.

Chris Walters, Ofwat's interim CEO, has pledged the organization's support for the development of the new regulatory body, while reaffirming its commitment to delivering core functions in the meantime.

A public consultation on the government's proposals is ongoing, with the deadline for submissions set for early April, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the shaping of these reforms.

Plaid Cymru's spokesperson on Climate Change, Delyth Jewell MS, has expressed support for the creation of a Wales-specific regulatory body, seeing it as essential for holding water companies accountable and ensuring better value for customers.

She emphasized the need for transformative change, including the full devolution of powers over water, to create a water system that truly serves the people of Wales, prioritizing their needs above corporate interests.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and the Environment, Janet Finch-Saunders MS, has expressed skepticism about the potential impact of a new regulator, arguing that it will not automatically lead to cleaner rivers or address underlying issues.

She pointed out that a new regulator will not prevent sewage spills, fix broken infrastructure, or halt rising water bills, highlighting the need for more comprehensive solutions.

Reform UK Wales has stated that the success of these reforms will be judged on their results, emphasizing the need for tangible improvements in the lives of people in Wales.

The party has called for efforts to stabilize prices and support Welsh Water in upgrading the network, recognizing the importance of affordable and reliable water services.

Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Jane Dodds MS, has welcomed the allocation of £5m in funding to strengthen enforcement and regulation, secured through a budget deal, but cautioned that this investment is only a first step.

She emphasized the importance of using this funding effectively, as it will not be sufficient on its own to address the complex challenges facing the water sector.

The Green Party has expressed support for the plans, acknowledging the need for a Wales-specific regulator and full control over the country's water resources, seeing these reforms as a crucial step towards a more sustainable and equitable water management system.