The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme is in the early phases of development, and this is a great opportunity for people to shape it from the outset and throughout its creation.
Delivered by and working with a partnership of the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council, and Shropshire Council, the SVWMS aims to build a more resilient, vibrant, and prosperous Upper Severn for generations to come. This consultation marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to recognise and grow the importance of the Marches region as a rural economy, with food production at its heart.
The strategy recognises the increasing challenges faced by rural communities and starts to set out options to work with landowners, communities and businesses on a regional resilience programme. It aims to provide wide-ranging outcomes for people and the environment across the Upper Severn through reducing flood risk and driving market activity, and investment focused on local benefits
Data analyses have helped recognise weather patterns and make predictions about likely climate changes in the future. This data indicates that to reduce flood risk and support land management, infrastructure and communities, up to 100 million cubic metres of water will need to be temporarily stored during flood events - equivalent to nearly 4 years’ worth of water supply for Powys and Shropshire.
Identifying where water could be temporarily stored, how much, and for how long will be critical to understanding what is possible and is a key focus of this stage of community engagement. A combination of natural and engineered solutions to temporarily store water, tailored to the unique needs of each area, will be needed to meet this challenge. The SVWMS will create a framework for delivery that reduces risk and at the same time, helps to maximise the value of the rural economy.
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Councillor Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council, said: "We know that rivers in the area are central to local life, supporting homes, farms, businesses, and wildlife. However, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe, and the risk is increasing and impacting our rural region
“We know that floods and droughts represent lost homes, livelihoods, and huge concerns for families and businesses. The SVWMS provides a unique opportunity to come together and collectively consider future risks and options to address these”.
The SVWMS is committed to working closely with everyone, listening to experiences, and understanding local priorities. People are urged to have their say during the consultation, which runs from 17 December 2025 to 11 March 2026.
Councillor Berriman added: "This consultation is an opportunity for everyone, including individual residents, farmers, business owners, and community groups, to help shape the future of water management in the Upper Severn.”
Consultation events will be held across the catchment, and materials are available online and in local libraries and leisure centres.
Feedback from this consultation will directly inform the development of the draft strategy, which will be subject to further consultation in 2026.
Visit the SVMS website to stay updated.
[Main image credit: Alex Daniels / shutterstock.com]