Drinking Water Protected Area

Any water bodies in Wales used to provide drinking water are designated as Drinking Water Protected Areas (DrWPAs). The designation aims to protect the water and prevent any deterioration in quality that could increase the required treatment of water to meet Drinking Water Standards. Drinking Water Protected Areas need to be identified under the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations 2017. This data shows the designated Drinking Water Protected Areas in Wales and is split into two separate layers for Surface Water Drinking Water Protected Areas and one for Groundwater Drinking Water Protected Areas. This aims to protect from over-abstraction and prevent deterioration in water quality that could increase the treatment of drinking water. Within these Drinking Water Protected Areas, we work with water companies to identify raw water sources that are 'at risk' of deterioration, which would result in the need for additional treatment.