The Water Resources Act 1991 provides the legal framework for managing and protecting water resources in England and Wales. It sets out powers and duties for regulating water abstraction, impoundment, pollution control, and flood defence, while also ensuring the sustainable use of water resources. The Act underpins much of the UK’s water management regime, ensuring that water quality and availability are safeguarded for the environment, businesses, and the public.
The Act, which came into force on 1 December 1991, consolidates earlier legislation relating to water resources, pollution control, and flood prevention. It empowers the Environment Agency (and Natural Resources Wales in Wales) to regulate water abstraction, manage discharges into controlled waters, issue licences, enforce standards, and oversee flood defence measures. The framework ensures that businesses and public authorities manage water responsibly, reducing risks of pollution, shortages, and environmental damage.
Benefits of compliance:
