Water Protection Zones (WPZs) and related draft statutory guidance

Summary

The Environment Agency welcomes the proposals to amend the existing provisions of the Water Resources Act 1991. This would widen the use of Water Protection Zones (WPZ) to prevent or mitigate diffuse pollution and damage to hydromorphology. We also welcome the similar extension of the Anti-pollution Works Notices to hydromorphology. 

The key points in our response are:

• We would wish to see the proposed statutory guidance documents cover all aspects of the use of WPZs, for all purposes.
• We urge prompt implementation of the changes to support measures in the final first cycle River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs). 
• Further clarity is necessary on the funding mechanisms for WPZ implementation. We are concerned that without adequate funding WPZs are unlikely to make a significant contribution to meeting Water Framework Directive objectives.

Read our full response

• Response to Defra and WAG consultation: Amendments to the provisions of the Water Resources Act 1991 (PDF, 48KB)