Source: Angling Trust
Abstraction reform: why is it needed?
The right to abstract water from rivers, reservoirs etc. in England and Wales was formally created by the Water Act of 1963. This was done with little or no consideration of what level of abstraction the body of water could actually sustain and this allocation has since proved to be seriously inaccurate.
Current levels of abstraction are causing significant ecological problems in over 1,000 river water bodies, and 42% of groundwater bodies (pretty much every groundwater body in the south and east of England) are failing.
The briefing attached (in the attachment section in the right hand column of this webpage) outlines why Blueprint for Water coalition members (which includes the Angling Trust) believe that the consultation on abstraction reform is important, and what issues we think should be covered in responses to the consultation. Any evidence from local areas and projects will be persuasive, and we urge you to use it to supports your arguments.
Responses need to be emailed to Defra, at abstraction_reform@defra.gsi.gov.uk by Friday 28 March.
Alternatively, you can respond online on the consultation website, HERE which has copies of the consultation document and the supported evidence.
Please don’t hesitate to contact the Blueprint for Water coalition if you would like more information on the abstraction reform consultation and the issues we outline in the briefing document. You can contact the Blueprint secretariat, Kate Hand, on 020 7820 8600 020 or at kate@wcl.org.uk
