I AM writing with reference to the article in the paper of September 5 by Gavin McEwan entitled ‘Wye fix focus “misplaced”’.

It is most welcome that additional resources and scientific rigour have been directed to the dire state of our beloved river, well done Wye and Usk Foundation (WUF) and Cardiff University.

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However, statements such as “phosphate levels are unlikely to be the main cause of algal blooms. Phosphate levels have been declining in large part due to the investment by Dwr Cryru Welsh Water (DCWW)” need very careful scrutiny and robust justification.

It is well known and accepted that DCWW is only responsible for just over a fifth of the phosphate in the river.

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Agriculture is far and away the major contributor at over three-quarters of the total.

If the science and data truly support these statements, then additional credibility will be given to the comment that “we need to manage flow, reduce water temperature, shade our rivers and set science-based thresholds for all nutrients”.

Until this is demonstrated, significant focus should remain on all aspects contributing to the continued sad decline of the river, including phosphate.

DR IAN HAGUE

Cradley