Environmental aspects of water-resources planning in England and Wales

The paper indicates how the management of water resources in England and Wales since the Water Resources Act, 1963, has facilitated consideration of regional schemes including river regulation, inter-river transfers and freshwater storage in estuaries. Desalination is also mentioned but it is not expected to make a significant contribution to water supplies during the remainder of this century. The environmental aspects of all such schemes are discussed with particular reference to a feasibility study of freshwater storage in the Wash. Further legislation in 1973 created multi-purpose water authorities which consider water-resources schemes within a framework of priorities for other water services. Attention is drawn to the need on the one hand to consult the public on alternative water strategies while on the other hand ensuring that resources are developed in time to meet increasing demands. It is suggested that environmental evaluation of water schemes is more appropriate to England and Wales than formalised environmental impact assessment.