Require Welsh Government to strengthen river pollution laws, independent testing and real-time tests

This petition supports Welsh Government's ambition for cleaner rivers, stronger regulation and better accountability, but calls for stronger measures across Wales.

Companies, factories, farms and other organisations permitted to discharge into Welsh waters should not rely solely on their own testing. NRW or accredited independent laboratories should carry out regular, unannounced verification sampling and auditing of discharges, particularly at higher-risk sites.

Wales should introduce more frequent and, where practical, continuous monitoring of rivers and inland waters, with rapid public warnings when pollution makes water unsafe. The Government should review whether historical or rolling classifications adequately protect people using water on a particular day.

Monitoring data should be transparent and publicly accessible, with stronger enforcement for breaches. These measures should apply consistently across Wales, regardless of location or pollution source.