17/12/07
Water UK and its members are working with other stakeholders to ensure that we can all contribute positively to improving the quality and health of the water environment.
The Water Framework Directive is entering a critical phase of implementation particularly for the water industry as companies prepare for the next periodic review.
In a year’s time the UK government will have completed its formal consultation on the Draft River Basin Management Plans and the programmes of measures (PoMs) that will be needed to deliver these plans.
This means that by June, the six-month consultation required by the Directive should start (and complete by December 2008). The final plans and PoMs will be consulted upon in June 2009 and approved by the Secretary of State in December 2009, one month before the Price Review is finalised.
From what we know now it is clear that aside any obligations defined under 'daughter' directives, additional WFD improvements are uncertain. These would require more evidence base and better understanding of technology for delivery. We are keen that investment in the first cycle is made on ‘no regrets’ basis.
Concerted and coordinated efforts should be made to gather evidence on the risks, solutions and impacts on the environment (including the ecology). We are far away from this at the moment.
High water customer bills are not acceptable unless the costs and benefits and improvement needed can be clearly justified. We are keen to see the polluter pays principle implemented as a given and any deviation by policy makers explained and justified.
Contact: Steve Ntifo
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