Water, Water Everywhere...................

Croeso i Gymru

So at long last, the UK media is waking up to the natural resources that Wales possesses, even if it as a result of a very worrying water shortage in SE England. The current water crisis across the border has been inevitable for many years, with an increasing demand becoming over-reliant on boreholes for supply. The resulting over-abstraction has severely damaged the tributaries of the Thames and other rivers, decimating local ecosystems. The EA in England are now standing up to the pressures put on them by the multi-national corporations who own their water companies, and are reducing the volumes on the abstraction licenses - hence the shortage whenever there is a dry Winter.

So what are the solutions? As always with such complex issues, there is a combination of actions required including further reducing the leakage rates, stemming demand through the greater use of meters and even desalinisation plants. However, if the current plans for future developments go ahead to meet anticipated population growth, additional supply is inevitable. The Institution of Civil Engineers (of which I am a Grad. member-I really should get round to doing my Chartered) recently called for a water grid, very much along the lines of the power grid the UK has; an investment that would resolve supply issues for generations. Sadly though, such spending is not as politically sexy as say a high speed rail line, but probably a lot more sustainable.

There I am, using the 'S' word - sustainable. Is there another word in the English language that is more abused and used in inappropriate areas, by politicians. However in this case, the more sustainable solution is absolutely the best choice. That choice is Wales.

As a nation, we have to look at ways of raising funds to dig ourselves out of the economic mire we find ourselves in. I do not believe that we can put any reliance on the UK Government whatever their political colours, to give us the fair funding that numerous reports have highlighted. So rather than moaning about it, let's move on a little from 'standing up' and start 'doing the walk' to match the talk. Precipitation that falls on Wales is our resource, so let's use it for the benefit of everyone in Wales and if that means also helping out our neighbours and being paid fairly for it, then so be it.

I have previously blogged on this issue, so invite you to follow the link below: -

http://grangetownjack.blogspot.com/2011/06/is-this-boriss-wet-dream.html

For starters, we need control of our water devolved; something cynically omitted by Labour when the most recent Act went through Westminster. With these powers, we can immediately start work negotiating with the English water companies who have assets in Wales and get them back. We are very fortunate in already having a highly respected 'not for profit' water company in Dwr Cymru; a business with the capacity to take on all of the water resources of Wales and a constitution to put the interests of its customers first-the people of Wales. We can then choose the best site for any new reservoirs, ensure that local communities benefit from such assets and get paid a fair price for the water we supply to our neighbours, solving their water supply problems and raising desperately needed funding for our economy and environment.

As a Plaid member, I am well aware of the sensitivity of flooding valleys to supply water to England but unlike Llyn Celyn, these reservoirs will be ours, will benefit the local communities, our nation and meet a clear and long term demand. It is also the most sustainable solution to SE England's water shortages and after all, don't we also have a responsibility to help the environment outside our borders when the opportunity arises?

Noting statements made by all three Plaid leadership candidates in recent weeks, our new leader and the party will campaign tirelessly on this issue until Wales gets control of all its natural resources. People mocked us when we made similar commitments for a Welsh Parliament only a generation ago. For the sake of Wales, let's hope that it doesn't take a generation this time.