Challenges and Choices - A Consultation on Wales’s Significant Water Management Issues
Challenges and Choices
This is the second in a series of three consultations which will help to inform updating RBMPs for 2027 to 2033. These RBMPs will outline the measures required to protect and restore water from source to sea. Draft versions of the updated plans are expected to be released for consultation in 2026. We will also publish an overview through our “We Asked, You Said, We Did” page following the closure of this consultation.
The Independent Water Commission (IWC) review of the water sector was published on 21 July 2025. This recommended a review of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) Regulations for England and Wales. The Welsh Government will decide how they want to implement the IWC recommendations. This may change how NRW delivers the Cycle 4 River Basin Management Plans covering 2027 to 2033 which this consultation will inform.
The IWC findings do not change this consultation which is about out significant water management issues and what it means, but will affect how and when action occurs. NRW will work with the Welsh Government, as well as Defra and the Environment Agency for water bodies that cross into England, to ensure our future RBMPs achieve what is required for our water environment.
This consultation is best looked at in conjunction with our Storymap.
River Basin Districts in Wales
This is the statutory consultation for the Dee River Basin District (RBD) (including English water bodies) and Western Wales RBD.
The Severn RBD includes the Welsh areas of the Wye and Severn catchments as well as the Usk, Taff and Ely, we have shared data for this area with you. The Environment Agency manage the statutory consultation for the Severn RBD including Welsh water bodies through their parallel consultation which will be open later in 2025. More information on significant water management issues in England can be found here.
However, if you live or work in the Welsh part of the Severn RBD and would prefer to respond to NRW’s consultation questions then please continue to complete this consultation.