Water quality in Welsh rivers ?is healthier than ever'

Water quality in Welsh rivers has improved for the 19th year in a row, with nine out of ten achieving a very good or good status in 2008, according to research published yesterday.

The annual General Quality Assessment report carried out by the Environment Agency Wales - a sponsored public body that reports to the National Assembly for Wales - showed another consecutive year of improvement for the waterways.

Director Chris Mills said that the nation's rivers are at their healthiest for over a century, which is why residents are seeing the return of prized fish such as salmon and sea trout to rivers like the Taff.

"We have also given the fish access to an additional 410 miles of prime spawning ground in Wales by building fish passes," he stated.

Mr Mills added that the agency needs to go even further to meet the new EU measures for water quality.

Written by Lauren Steadman