The water framework directive
The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is often referred to as the single most significant piece of water legislation produced, responsible for changing the general approach towards water management.
The benefits are:
- Recognised balance between ecology, biology and chemistry when assessing water quality
- Recognition of disproportionate costs (cost benefit analysis)
- Driving stakeholder approach to water and land management
- All encompassing, looking at estuaries, rivers, lakes and groundwaters
- Ensures long term planning
- Addresses both point source and diffuse pollution
- Resource protection; Drinking water protected areas and safeguard zones
We have been working with our tenant farmers on improving water quality through a variety of land management initiatives for several decades and in recent years this has accelerated with major investment in our farm infrastructure through our Sustainable Catchment Management Programme (SCaMP). SCaMP is one of the items that has influenced the River Basin Management Plans.
As a multi utility we support the stakeholder engagement approach which brings together land owners, farmers, regulators, water companies and any other body which has the potential to cause diffuse pollution. District Liaison Panels have been set up for each River Basin District (to enable active stakeholder engagement to take place).
We have a representative on the North West District Liaison Panel and have supported the Environment Agency on a number of consultations helping to define rules to classify good status and disproportionate costs. We are in the process of reviewing draft River Basin Management Plans which impact on our operational activities.
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