Have your say on updated sheep dip guidance

Natural Resources Wales (NRW), working with the Welsh Government, is inviting farmers, land managers and other interested stakeholders to help shape updated guidance on the safe use and disposal of sheep dip.

The consultation focuses on proposed revisions to the Groundwater Protection Code: Use and Disposal of Sheep Dip, which aims to protect Wales' rivers, streams and groundwater from pollution while supporting farmers to adopt good practice.

Sheep dipping plays an important role in protecting livestock from parasites. However, if sheep dip is not used, stored or disposed of correctly, it can have a significant impact on the environment and water quality.

The updated guidance has been developed to reflect changes in policy, current industry practices and environmental requirements, helping to minimise sheep dip-related pollution and support healthier waterways across Wales.

Dave Jones, NRW’s Senior Specialist Advisor for Groundwater, said:

"We are committed to balancing the needs of working farms with our responsibility to protect the environment, which means continually reviewing and improving the way we work.

"The disposal of sheep dip to land has taken place for more than 30 years. However, we have seen evidence of the cumulative impact this can have on our rivers and streams, contributing to failures in meeting the standards needed to protect the water environment.

"The updated guidance is designed to reflect current policy and environmental requirements while supporting farmers to adopt good practice. To get this right, we need the knowledge and experience of the farming industry to help shape the final document."

The update aims to:

• Reflect recent policy changes relating to the disposal of waste sheep dip.
• Ensure the guidance reflects current best practice and protects the environment.
• Make the document easier to navigate and use.

Key proposed changes include:

• Removing references to new environmental permits for disposing of waste sheep dip to land, as these permits are no longer issued in Wales. Existing permit holders will be able to continue operating under their permits for the time being.
• Revising guidance on areas of a farm that are unsuitable for sheep dipping activities.
• Updating advice, based on manufacturers' recommendations, on sheep dipping when rain is forecast.
• Advising against repairing damaged or leaking dip baths and recommending replacement with a new dip bath or use of a mobile dipping unit.
• Removing references to enzyme treatment of waste sheep dip under former waste exemption T27, as the product never became available for use and the exemption is no longer valid.

Dave added:

"The guidance was last updated in 2017, and this consultation provides an opportunity to ensure it continues to meet the needs of both the farming industry and the environment.

"The 12-week consultation runs from 29 July to 16 October 2026, and we want to hear from farmers, land managers and anyone with an interest in sheep dipping.

"We welcome suggestions for improvement, feedback on any sections that are difficult to understand, and comments on whether the proposed measures are practical to implement.

"All responses will be carefully considered and will help inform the final version of the guidance, which is expected to be published in early 2027."

To find out more and take part in the consultation, visit Updating the groundwater protection code for sheep dip.