THE PRESENT LEGISLATION AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK RELATING TO WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN ENGLAND AND WALES

摘要

As a member of the European Union, the UK is required to incorporate European water laws into its national legislation. These laws take the form of Directives which hitherto, have focused on specific issues such as urban wastewater treatment, dangerous substances, protection of groundwater etc. Over the past 10 years or so, these individual Directives have been consolidated into the European Union Water Framework Directive, to provide a coherent and consistent approach to water management. The document, which was published recently, sets out the obligations of member states for managing water resources on an integrated basis. In doing so, it has adopted many of the principles that have been practised in England and Wales for nearly 40 years. This presentation provides an overview of the legislative framework imposed by the European Union as well as a summary of national legislation relating to water-resources management in England and Wales (Scotland and Northern Ireland having their own legislative powers). In addition, a brief synopsis of the present regulatory structure and responsibilities is also given.