Environmental compliance for new businesses
- 1 step
UK Act of Parliament
1991
United Kingdom
Water Resources Act 1991
At a glance
Enforced by
Environment Agency, Ofwat, OEP, DEFRA, Mining Remediation Authority, NRW
What's here
82 compliance obligations, 18 practical guides across 3 topics · 17 journeys · 13 statutory instruments
Penalty landscape
10 of 82 obligations carry an unlimited fine. 21 carry different penalties and 51 have no criminal penalty — flagged in the list below.
Who this Act binds
Business-side actors with duties under this Act, ranked by how often they appear.
- Any Person 38
- Occupier 4
- Licence Holder 2
- Applicant 1
- Operator 1
- Director or Officer 1
- Landlord 1
Plus 34 non-business duties on Crown ministers, regulators, local authorities or tribunals — shown collapsed under each section below.
Step-by-step journeys using this legislation
Walkthroughs that take you from a real business situation to compliance.
Relevant guidance
Practical guides for businesses affected by this Act, ordered by how closely they engage with it.
Direct — cites this Act
1 guidesSupporting — topic alignment
10 guidesMentioned in related content
7 guides- Doing business in Wales: key differences from England
- Drainage and utilities compliance checklist
- Environmental permits for food businesses in Wales
- Environmental permits in Wales: applying to NRW
- Get authorisation for a water activity in Scotland (EASR)
- Manage food waste in Wales: mandatory separation rules for food businesses
- Wales food business compliance checklist
Other Acts binding the same actors
For each actor bound by this Act, the other UK Acts that bind them most often. Useful for understanding the full compliance landscape facing each role.
Any Person also bound by 2338 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Human Medicines Regulations 2012 2012 169 duties
- Merchant Shipping Act 1995 1995 144 duties
- Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016 2016 101 duties
- Road Traffic Act 1988 1988 95 duties
- Air Navigation Order 2016 2016 95 duties
Occupiers also bound by 259 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021 2021 39 duties
- Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (England) (No. 2) Order 2006 2006 34 duties
- The Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995 1995 34 duties
- Highways Act 1980 1980 23 duties
- Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations 2015 2015 18 duties
Licence Holders also bound by 221 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Petroleum (Current Model Clauses) Order 1999 1999 317 duties
- The Petroleum Licensing (Exploration and Production) (Seaward and Landward Areas) Regulations 2004 2004 123 duties
- Human Medicines Regulations 2012 2012 76 duties
- Space Industry Regulations 2021 2021 68 duties
- The Petroleum (Production) (Landward Areas) Regulations 1991 1991 65 duties
Applicants also bound by 294 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016 2016 46 duties
- Human Medicines Regulations 2012 2012 30 duties
- The Land Registration Rules 2003 2003 25 duties
- Value Added Tax Regulations 1995 1995 18 duties
- Space Industry Regulations 2021 2021 14 duties
Operators also bound by 730 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 (Air Operations) 2012 138 duties
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2066 of 19 December 2018 on the monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and amending Commission Regulation (EU) No 601/2012 (Text with EEA relevance) 2018 121 duties
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 601/2012 of 21 June 2012 on the monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (Text with EEA relevance) (repealed) 2012 112 duties
- Space Industry Regulations 2021 2021 75 duties
- Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on transmissible animal diseases and amending and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health (‘Animal Health Law’) (Text with EEA relevance) 2016 66 duties
Directors and Officers also bound by 425 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016 2016 161 duties
- Companies Act 2006 2006 108 duties
- Insolvency Act 1986 1986 72 duties
- The Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 2008 55 duties
- The Housing Administration (England and Wales) Rules 2018 2018 26 duties
Landlords also bound by 216 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 2016 74 duties
- Housing Act 1985 1985 53 duties
- Housing Act 1996 1996 30 duties
- The Service Charges (Consultation Requirements) (England) Regulations 2003 2003 27 duties
- The Service Charges (Consultation Requirements) (Wales) Regulations 2004 2004 26 duties
What this Act requires
Sections that create concrete duties on businesses or carry penalties. Procedural and definitional sections are folded into the “Browse other sections” expander at the bottom of each group. Click any section title to read the source text on legislation.gov.uk.
Part I — PRELIMINARY
General duties with respect to the water industry.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency and NRW must consider water industry duties in decisions Statutory regulator
Browse 17 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
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Part II — Water Resources Management
General management of resources by the Agency.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency must manage and conserve water resources Statutory regulator
Water resources management schemes.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency must maintain water management schemes with undertakers Statutory regulator
Restrictions on abstraction.
Unlimited fine- Abstract water or construct boreholes without a licence Any Person
Restrictions on impounding.
Unlimited fine- Constructing or altering water impounding works without a licence Any Person
Consequences of not complying with an enforcement notice
Unlimited fine- Fail to comply with an enforcement notice Any Person
General consideration of applications.
- Apply for or vary water abstraction and impoundment licences Any Person
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Regulator must determine water licence applications based on specific criteria Statutory regulator
Obligation to take river flow etc. into account.
- Assess water abstraction impact on river flow levels Any Person
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Regulators must consider river flow levels when assessing water licences Statutory regulator
Transfer of licence
- Notify the relevant agency to transfer a water licence Licence Holder
Vesting of licence on death or bankruptcy of holder
- Notify the regulator if you inherit or take over a water licence Any Person
Licences of right.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency must grant water 'licences of right' under Schedule 7 Statutory regulator
Ecclesiastical property.
- Manage water abstraction licences for Church of England (ecclesiastical) land Any Person
Provisions and duration of emergency drought order.
- Comply with emergency drought order water restrictions Any Person
Offences against drought order.
Unlimited fine- Breach of a drought order or permit Any Person
Browse 74 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Water resources management schemes: other abstractors
Water resources management schemes: referral to Secretary of State
Proposals for bulk supply arrangements
Minimum acceptable flows.
Directions to the appropriate agency to consider minimum acceptable flow.
Minimum acceptable level or volume of inland waters.
Abstraction licences
Enforcement notices
Rights of entry and appeals
Rights of navigation, harbour and conservancy authorities.
Rights to abstract small quantities.
Variation of small quantity threshold
Curtailment of rights under section 27.
Rights to abstract for drainage purposes etc.
Notices with respect to borings not requiring licences.
Appeals against conservation notices under section 30.
Miscellaneous rights to abstract.
Power to provide for further rights to abstract.
Power to provide for further exemptions
Regulations with respect to applications.
Restrictions on persons who may make applications for abstraction licences.
Application for combined abstraction and impounding licence.
Applications: types of abstraction licence
Publication of application for licence.
Power to dispense with publication requirements
Obligation to have regard to existing rights and privileges.
Protected rights for the purposes of this Chapter
Register of certain protected rights
Secretary of State’s power to call in applications
Consideration of called-in applications.
Appeals to the Secretary of State.
Determination of appeals.
Regulations with respect to appeals.
Form and contents of licences.
Limited extension of abstraction licence validity
Power to impose general conditions with respect to licensed activity by water companies
Holders of licence.
General effect of licence.
Civil remedies for loss or damage due to water abstraction
Succession to licences to abstract where person ceases to occupy the relevant land.
Succession where person becomes occupier of part of the relevant land.
Modification on application of licence holder.
Proposals for modification at instance of the appropriate agency or Secretary of State.
Modification in pursuance of proposals under section 52.
Reference of modification proposals to the Secretary of State.
Application for modification of licence by owner of fishing rights.
Determination of application under section 55.
Emergency variation of licences for spray irrigation purposes.
s.58
Regulations with respect to modification applications.
Apportionment of licence to abstract
Apportionment of licence to abstract: supplementary
Liability of the appropriate agency for derogation from protected right.
Compensation where licence modified on direction of the Secretary of State.
Recovery of compensation from new licence-holder
No compensation where modification to protect environment: England
No compensation where variation to remove excess headroom: England
Compensation for owner of fishing rights applying under section 55.
Secretary of State to indemnify appropriate agency in certain cases.
Abstracting and impounding by the appropriate agency.
Inland waters owned or managed by Canal & River Trust.
s.68
Validity of decisions of Secretary of State and related proceedings.
Civil liability under Chapter II.
Modification of local enactments.
Interpretation of Chapter II.
Power to make ordinary and emergency drought orders.
Provisions and duration of ordinary drought order.
Provisions of drought order restricting use of water.
Provisions of drought order with respect to abstractions and discharges.
Works under drought orders.
Compensation and charges where drought order made.
Drought permits.
Interpretation of Chapter III.
Part III — Control of Pollution of Water Resources
General duties to achieve and maintain objectives etc.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency and DEFRA must maintain water quality standards Statutory regulator
Offences of polluting controlled waters.
- Pollute controlled waters Any Person
Mine operators to give the appropriate agency six months’ notice of any proposed abandonment.
Unlimited fine- Give six months' notice before abandoning a mine Operator
Water protection zones.
2 years imprisonment- Carry out prohibited activity in a water protection zone Any Person
Power to give effect to international obligations etc.
Amended 5 timesTransitional pollution provisions.
Amended 1 timeMeaning of “controlled waters" etc. in Part III.
Amended 4 timesBrowse 20 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Classification of quality of waters.
Water quality objectives.
Prohibition of certain discharges by notice or regulations.
Discharges into and from public sewers etc.
Defence to principal offences in respect of authorised discharges.
Other defences to principal offences.
Offences in connection with deposits and vegetation in rivers.
Applications for consent under section 89 or 90.
Enforcement notices.
Appeals in respect of consents under Chapter II.
Introductory.
Requirements to take precautions against pollution.
Nitrate sensitive areas.
Agreements in nitrate sensitive areas.
Regulations with respect to consents required by virtue of section 93 or 94.
Codes of good agricultural practice.
Radioactive substances.
Consents required by the Agency.
Civil liability in respect of pollution and savings.
Limitation for summary offences under Part III.
Part IV — FLOOD DEFENCE
General functions with respect to flood defence.
Amended 2 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency and NRW must survey flood defence areas Statutory regulator
Obligation to carry out flood defence functions through committees.
Amended 2 timesStructures in, over or under a main river.
Amended 43 timesApplications for consents and approvals under section 109.
Amended 5 timesInterpretation of Part IV.
Amended 4 timesBrowse 4 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Part V — GENERAL CONTROL OF FISHERIES
Part VI — FINANCIAL PROVISIONS IN RELATION TO THE APPROPRIATE AGENCY
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Amended 1 timeSpecial duties with respect to flood defence revenue.
Amended 23 timesDuties with respect to certain funds raised under local enactments.
Amended 2 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency must restrict use of specific historical funds Statutory regulator
Contributions between the appropriate agency and certain other authorities.
Amended 1 timeSpecific exemptions from water resources charges.
Amended 1 timeAgreements containing exemptions from charges.
Amended 1 timeDuration of agreement under section 127.
- Adhere to fixed terms and termination rules for spray irrigation agreements Applicant
Directions and appeals with respect to exercise of powers under sections 127 and 128.
Amended 1 timeCharges in respect of abstraction from waters of Canal & River Trust.
Amended 2 times. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
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Amended 1 timePower to authorise the Agency to issue levies.
Amended 1 timeRaising of general drainage charges.
Amended 5 timesAmount, assessment etc. of general drainage charge.
Amended 6 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Regulators must calculate and set the general drainage charge amount Crown / Minister / Government department
Special drainage charges in interests of agriculture.
Amended 2 timesLevying and amount of special drainage charge.
Amended 5 timesAppeals in respect of resolutions under section 139.
Amended 1 timePrecepts for recovery of contributions from internal drainage boards.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency must provide a statement of purposes and calculation Statutory regulator
Fisheries contributions.
Amended 2 timesPower of appropriate agency to levy navigation tolls.
Amended 1 timeIncidental power of the Authority to impose charges.
Amended 1 timeInterpretation of Chapter II.
Amended 4 times. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Amended 1 timeGrants for drainage works.
Amended 1 timeBrowse 13 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
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Special charges in respect of spray irrigation.
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Contributions from internal drainage boards.
Grants towards cost of flood warning systems.
Other grants in respect of exercise of powers under Part VII for drainage purposes.
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Part VII — Land and Works Powers
Compulsory purchase etc.
Amended 17 timesAccretions of land resulting from drainage works.
Amended 8 timesAcquisition of land etc. for fisheries purposes.
Amended 6 timesRestriction on disposals of compulsorily acquired land.
Amended 8 timesWorks agreements for water resources purposes.
Amended 13 timesPowers to lay pipes in streets.
Amended 1 timePower to lay pipes in other land.
Amended 1 timeAnti-pollution works and operations
Amended 10 timesNotices requiring persons to carry out works and operations
Amended 10 timesWorks notices: form etc
Amended 10 timesWorks notices: exceptions etc
Amended 10 timesGrant of, and compensation for, rights of entry etc.
Amended 10 times- Grant access for required water works and claim compensation Any Person
Appeals against works notices.
Amended 10 timesConsequences of not complying with a works notice.
2 years imprisonment Amended 10 times- Fail to comply with a works notice Any Person
Other works and operations in respect of harm to controlled waters
Amended 10 timesWorks and operations for improving controlled waters
Amended 10 timesSections 161 to 161ZB: supplementary
Amended 10 timesOther powers to deal with foul water and pollution.
Amended 1 timeDischarges for works purposes.
Fine up to £1,000 Amended 1 time- Pollute watercourses during drainage or maintenance works Any Person
Consents for certain discharges under section 163.
Fine up to £1,000 Amended 1 time- Unauthorised or non-compliant discharge from large pipes Any Person
General powers to carry out works
Amended 12 timesPower to carry out works for purpose of providing flood warning system.
Amended 9 timesPower to dispose of spoil in connection with flood defence works.
Amended 3 timesFlood defence and drainage works
Amended 3 timesCompulsory works orders.
Amended 2 timesPowers of entry for enforcement purposes.
Amended 11 timesPower of entry for certain works purposes.
Amended 8 timesPower to carry out surveys and to search for water.
Amended 10 timesPowers of entry for other purposes.
Amended 8 timesPowers of entry: supplemental provisions.
Amended 2 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Regulators must follow specific procedures when entering business premises Statutory regulator
Impersonation of persons exercising powers of entry.
Unlimited fine Amended 3 times- Impersonate an environmental officer to gain entry to premises Any Person
Offence of interference with works etc.
Fine up to £1,000- Interfere with water mains, pipes, or monitoring equipment Any Person
Compensation etc. in respect of exercise of works powers.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency must pay compensation and minimize works damage Statutory regulator
Duties to make recreational facilities available when building reservoirs in Wales.
Amended 2 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- NRW must provide recreational facilities when building reservoirs in Wales Statutory regulator
Savings in respect of existing drainage obligations.
Amended 1 timeInterpretation of Part VII.
Amended 3 timesBrowse 7 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Vesting of pipes in the appropriate agency.
Protection for particular undertakings.
Protective provisions in respect of flood defence works and watercourses etc.
Power of navigation authorities etc to divert the appropriate agency's watercourses.
Works in tidal lands etc.
Mineral rights.
Saving for planning controls etc.
Part VIII — INFORMATION PROVISIONS
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Amended 1 timeDuty of the Agency and NRBW to publish information
Amended 1 timeOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency and NRW must publish water resource and demand data Statutory regulator
Register of abstraction and impounding licences.
Amended 2 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency must maintain a public register of water licences Statutory regulator
Pollution control register.
Amended 18 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency must maintain and provide access to pollution registers Statutory regulator
Maps of fresh-water limits.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Government and Environment Agency must maintain and publish fresh-water maps Crown / Minister / Government department
The main river map for England
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency must maintain the official main river map for England Statutory regulator
Inspection and copies
- Pay usage fees for commercial access to main river map data Any Person
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency must provide access to and copies of main river maps Statutory regulator
The main river map for Wales
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- NRW must maintain the main river map for Wales Statutory regulator
Inspection and copies
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- NRW must provide access to and copies of the Welsh main river map Statutory regulator
Maps of waterworks.
Amended 1 time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Amended 1 timeProvision of information about water flow etc.
Fine up to £200 Amended 1 time- Refuse or fail to allow inspection of water records Any Person
- Refuse or fail to allow water authority to inspect flow records Any Person
Information about underground water.
3 months imprisonment Amended 5 times- Fail to comply with well or borehole notification and reporting duties Occupier
- Failure to notify or provide records for deep wells and boreholes Occupier
Notice etc. of mining operations which may affect water conservation.
Unlimited fine Amended 4 times- Failure to notify or follow water conservation rules for mining operations Any Person
Appeals against conservation notices under section 199
Amended 4 timesGauges and records kept by other persons.
Fine up to £200- Fail to notify installation of water gauges Any Person
- Fail to notify the environment agency before installing a water gauge Any Person
Power to require information with respect to abstraction.
Unlimited fine Amended 2 times- Fail to provide water abstraction information Any Person
Information and assistance required in connection with the control of pollution.
2 years imprisonment Amended 10 times- Fail to provide information regarding water pollution Any Person
Exchange of information with respect to pollution incidents etc.
Amended 21 times- Share water quality and pollution information with regulators upon request Licence Holder
Restriction on disclosure of information.
Unlimited fine Amended 48 times- Unlawfully disclose confidential business information Any Person
Confidentiality of information relating to underground water etc.
Amended 7 times- Fail to comply with confidentiality obligations Any Person
Making of false statements etc.
2 years imprisonment Amended 4 times- Provide false information or tamper with water monitoring equipment Any Person
Browse 11 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Register for the purposes of works discharges.
Exclusion from registers of information affecting national security.
Exclusion from registers of certain confidential information.
Replacing the main river map for England
Determinations as to main rivers
Appeals
Guidance
Replacing the main river map for Wales
Determinations as to main rivers
Appeals
Guidance
Part IX — MISCELLANEOUS AND SUPPLEMENTAL
Directions in the interests of national security etc.
2 years imprisonment Amended 1 time- Disclose information protected in the interests of national security Any Person
- Unauthorised disclosure of sensitive national security information Any Person
Civil liability of the Agency or NRBW for escapes of water etc
Amended 9 timesEvidence of samples and abstractions.
Amended 3 timesByelaw-making powers of the appropriate agency.
Amended 1 timeEnforcement of byelaws.
Unlimited fine Amended 4 times- Breach of water resource or environmental byelaws Any Person
- Contravene water byelaws Any Person
Compensation in respect of certain fisheries byelaws.
Amended 6 timesEnforcement: powers and duties.
Amended 1 time- Comply with water abstraction and impounding restrictions Any Person
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency and others must enforce water resource regulations Statutory regulator
Criminal liabilities of directors and other third parties.
2 years imprisonment Amended 1 time- Personal liability for directors and managers for company water offences Director or Officer
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Amended 1 timePowers to make regulations.
Amended 4 timesProvisions relating to service of documents.
Amended 2 timesGeneral interpretation.
Amended 32 timesCrown application.
Amended 7 timesExemption for visiting forces.
Amended 1 timeApplication to the Isles of Scilly.
Amended 1 timeBrowse 4 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Schedules
(1) Where a statement is approved under this Schedule, whether...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Regulator must publish approval notices and keep statements for public inspection Statutory regulator
(1) Where an order is made under section 27A(1) or...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency must publish drought order notices and keep them available for public inspection Statutory regulator
SUPPLEMENTAL PROVISIONS WITH RESPECT TO DRAINAGE CHARGES
Fine up to £2,500- Respond to notices identifying land occupiers Landlord
(1) The appropriate agency may serve on the owner of...
Fine up to £2,500- Fail to provide occupier details or give false information to the Environment Agency Any Person
(1) Subject to paragraph 6 below, the appropriate agency may...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency must notify occupier and provide 10% early payment discount when transferring drainage charges to landowner Statutory regulator
(1) The occupier of any chargeable land may, by notice...
- Notify the agency to opt out of drainage arrangements on your land Occupier
(1) The appropriate agency may serve on any person appearing...
Fine up to £2,500- Fail to provide land return or give false information Occupier
Supplemental Provisions with respect to Powers of Entry
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Regulators must provide 7 days' notice before entering your premises Statutory regulator
(1) Without prejudice to any power exercisable by virtue of...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Authorised officers must give seven days' notice before entering premises (with exceptions) Statutory regulator
A person designated as the person who may exercise any...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Designated officers must show their credentials before using their powers Statutory regulator
(1) Where any person exercises any power to which this...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Relevant authority must compensate for loss or damage from entry powers Statutory regulator
A person who intentionally obstructs another person acting in the...
2 years imprisonment- Intentionally obstruct a regulator exercising statutory powers Any Person
CCOMPENSATION ETC. IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN WORKS POWER
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency must pay compensation for damage caused by works Statutory regulator
(1) This paragraph applies, in relation to the appropriate agency,...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Agency must minimise damage and pay compensation for street works Statutory regulator
(1) It shall be the duty of the appropriate agency—...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency must minimise damage and pay compensation when discharging water Statutory regulator
PROCTECTION FOR PARTICULAR UNDERTAKINGS
Fine up to £1,000- Interfere with railway or navigation property during street works Any Person
- Unauthorised street works affecting railways or navigation authorities Any Person
(1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph and...
Fine up to £1,000- Open a restricted street without consent Any Person
(1) No byelaw made by the appropriate agency shall have...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Agency must publicise, deposit and provide access to proposed byelaws before confirmation Statutory regulator
Browse 207 other Schedules — structural / supplementary
Membership
(1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, a...
(1) Any document which the Authority is authorised or required...
In this Schedule— “the appropriate Minister”, in relation to any...
(1) The Authority shall pay to its members such remuneration,...
(1) The Authority may, with the approval of the Secretary...
Subject to the following provisions of this Schedule and to...
Subject to section 106 of this Act, anything authorised or...
(1) A member who is in any way directly or...
The validity of any proceedings of the Authority shall not...
(1) Minutes shall be kept of proceedings of the Authority,...
(1) The application of the seal of the Authority shall...
ORDERS AND AGREEMENTS FOR TRANFER OF OF NAVIGATION, HARBOUR AND CONSERVANCY FUNCTIONS
(1) The appropriate agency may at any time apply to...
(1) The Ministers shall by regulations make provision requiring the...
(1) If it appears to the Ministers by whom an...
(1) In this Schedule “local enactment” means—
(1) Before determining whether to make an order on an...
(1) If the Ministers propose to make an order on...
(1) An order under this Schedule may contain such incidental,...
(1) After making an order under this Schedule, the Ministers,...
(1) After making an order under this Schedule, the Ministers...
(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (3) below, if any person aggrieved...
(1) Where, by virtue of an order or agreement under...
(1) The costs incurred by the Ministers in connection with...
Power to make order
(1) The relevant Minister may by order made by statutory...
(1) Before making an order under this Schedule, the relevant...
(1) Before making an order under this Schedule, the relevant...
(1) Where the relevant Minister makes an order under this...
(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, after making an order...
(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (3) below, if any person desires...
MEMBERSHIP OF FLOOD DEFENCE COMMITTEES
(1) Members of a flood defence committee (that is to...
(1) The Authority shall pay to any person who is...
(1) For the purpose of carrying out any functions in...
(1) Subject to section 106 of this Act and to...
(1) A flood defence committee may, with the approval of...
(1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, the...
(1) Any notice or other document which a flood defence...
(1) A minute of the proceedings of a meeting of...
(1) Members of a flood defence committee appointed by or...
(1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, a...
(1) The office of a member of a flood defence...
(1) The chairman of a regional flood defence committee may...
(1) The chairman of a local flood defence committee may...
(1) Where, for any reason whatsoever, the office of a...
Subject to the provisions of this Schedule, a member of...
(1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, a...
PROCEDURE RELATING TO STATEMENTS ON MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE FLOW
(1) This Schedule applies in the case of any draft...
(1) Before submitting the draft statement to the Secretary of...
The appropriate agency shall, at the request of any person,...
(1) The Secretary of State may approve the statement either...
Orders relating to abstraction of small quantities and compulsory registration of protected rights
(1) An application to the Secretary of State for an...
Where an application for an order is made, the appropriate...
(1) Where an application for an order is made, the...
LICENCES OF RIGHT
(1) Paragraphs 30 and 31 of Schedule 26 to the...
Subsection (2) of section 48 of this Act shall not...
No application shall be made under section 55 of this...
(1) Where the plaintiff in any action brought against the...
(1) No compensation shall be payable under section 61 of...
(1) In this Schedule references to a licence of right...
PROCEEDINGS ON APPLICATIONS FOR DROUGHT ORDERS
(1) The applicant for a drought order shall—
(1) If any objection is duly made with respect to...
After a drought order has been made, the person on...
COMPENSATION IN RESPECT OF DROUGHT ORDERS
Where a drought order has been made, compensation in respect...
(1) This paragraph shall apply for determining the compensation to...
(1) A claim for compensation under this Schedule shall be...
(1) A claim for compensation under paragraph 2 above may...
Discharge consents
Discharge consents
Discharge consents
Discharge consents
Discharge consents
Discharge consents
Discharge consents
Discharge consents
Discharge consents
Discharge consents
Discharge consents
Discharge consents
WATER PROTECTION ZONE ORDERS
(1) Where the appropriate agency applies to the Secretary of...
Where the appropriate agency has applied for an order under...
(1) On an application for an order under section 93...
Without prejudice to section 53 of the 1995 Act (inquiries...
NITRATE SENSITIVE AREA ORDERS
NITRATE SENSITIVE AREA ORDERS
NITRATE SENSITIVE AREA ORDERS
NITRATE SENSITIVE AREA ORDERS
NITRATE SENSITIVE AREA ORDERS
NITRATE SENSITIVE AREA ORDERS
NITRATE SENSITIVE AREA ORDERS
NITRATE SENSITIVE AREA ORDERS
TRANSITIONAL WATER POLLUTION PROVISIONS
TRANSITIONAL WATER POLLUTION PROVISIONS
TRANSITIONAL WATER POLLUTION PROVISIONS
TRANSITIONAL WATER POLLUTION PROVISIONS
TRANSITIONAL WATER POLLUTION PROVISIONS
ORDERS TRANSFERRING MAIN RIVER FUNCTIONS TO THE APPROPRIATE AGENCY
As soon as any scheme under section 108 of this...
(1) Before either of the Ministers makes an order under...
(1) Before either of the Ministers makes an order under...
As soon as may be after an order under section...
(1) If any person aggrieved by an order under section...
The Ministers may make regulations in relation to—
(1) A drainage charge— (a) shall be raised by the...
(1) The appropriate agency may, as respects any drainage charge...
(1) If any person is aggrieved by—
(1) Arrears of any drainage charge may be recovered by...
(1) The appropriate agency and any relevant authority may enter...
(1) A drainage charge shall not be valid unless notice...
(1) Subject to paragraphs 4 and 5 below—
(1) Where land is chargeable land during part only of...
(1) The sum payable by way of a drainage charge...
SCHEMES IMPOSING SPECIAL DRAINAGE CHARGES
(1) Before submitting a special charges scheme to either of...
(1) In this Schedule— “special charges scheme” means a scheme...
(1) Subject to the following provisions of this Schedule the...
(1) Before either of the Ministers makes an order confirming...
(1) Before either of the Ministers makes an order confirming...
(1) After either of the Ministers has made an order...
(1) If— (a) no such memorial as is mentioned in...
As soon as may be after an unconfirmed order has...
(1) If any person aggrieved by an unconfirmed order desires...
The Ministers may make regulations in relation to—
ORDERS WITH RESPECT TO NAVIGATION TOLLS
The power to make an order under section 143 of...
(1) The Secretary of State may hold inquiries for the...
(1) After the Secretary of State has made an order...
(1) If— (a) no such memorial as is mentioned in...
MODIFICATION OF COMPENSATION PROVISION ETC IN RELATION TO THE CREATION OF NEW RIGHTS
Subject to the following provisions of this Schedule, the enactments...
(1) The Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 (in the following provisions...
For section 7 of the 1965 Act (measure of compensation)...
Section 8(1) of the Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 has effect...
The following provisions of the 1965 Act (being provisions stating...
Section 11 of the 1965 Act (powers of entry) shall...
Section 20 of the 1965 Act (protection for interests of...
Section 22 of the 1965 Act (protection of acquiring authority’s...
ORDERS CONFERRING COMPULSORY WORKS POWERS
(1) Where the appropriate agency applies to either of the...
In this Schedule— “bridleway” and “footpath” have the same meanings...
Where the appropriate agency is applying for a compulsory works...
(1) On an application for a compulsory works order, the...
(1) If, where an application for a compulsory works order...
(1) As soon as practicable after a compulsory works order...
(1) Without prejudice to the provisions of Schedule 23 to...
Where— (a) in connection with any engineering or building operations...
(1) If the value of any interest in any relevant...
The provisions of section 179 and paragraphs 1, 2 and...
(1) If it is shown to the satisfaction of a...
A person authorised to enter any premises or vessel by...
A person who enters any premises or vessel in the...
(1) In this Schedule— “relevant authority”, in relation to a...
(1) If the value of any interest in any relevant...
(1) Any question of disputed compensation under paragraph 2 above...
(1) Where injury is sustained by any person by reason...
(1) Nothing in any of the provisions of this Act...
(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, nothing in—
(1) Without prejudice to the preceding provisions of this Schedule,...
Part 10 of Schedule 3A to the Communications Act 2003...
In this Schedule “railway company” means the British Railways Board,...
MINERAL RIGHTS
(1) This paragraph applies in each of the following cases,...
(1) If the owner of any mines or minerals underlying...
(1) If the working of any mines or minerals is...
(1) Where mines or minerals underlying any part of the...
(1) Any person designated in writing for the purpose by...
Nothing in any provision of this Act or of any...
(1) In this Schedule— “conveyance” has the same meaning as...
DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION
BYELAW - MAKING POWERS OF THE APPROPRIATE AGENCY
(1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph but...
(1) The appropriate agency shall have power to make such...
(1) The appropriate agency shall have power to make such...
(1) The appropriate agency may by byelaws make such provision...
(1) The appropriate agency may make such byelaws in relation...
(1) The appropriate agency shall have power, in relation to...
(1) Any power to make byelaws conferred by paragraph 6...
(1) The Agency shall not make any byelaws by virtue...
PROCEDURE RELATING TO BYELAWS MADE BY THE APPROPRIATE AGENCY
(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (3) below, the relevant Minister, with...
(1) The relevant Minister may fix the date on which...
(1) Every byelaw made by the appropriate agency and confirmed...
If it appears to the relevant Minister that the revocation...
The production of a printed copy of a byelaw purporting...
In this Schedule “the relevant Minister”— (a) in relation to...
Emergency fisheries byelaws
(1) In this Schedule, “ emergency fisheries byelaw ” means...
In this Schedule “ appropriate national authority ” has the...
An emergency fisheries byelaw comes into force—
The appropriate agency must, within 24 hours of making an...
The appropriate agency must publish notice of the making of...
(1) If at any time the appropriate national authority is...
(1) Subject to paragraph 7 below, an emergency fisheries byelaw...
(1) The appropriate agency may, at any time before an...
(1) Every emergency fisheries byelaw shall be printed and deposited...
The production of a printed copy of an emergency fisheries...
Note: The following abbreviations are used in this Table:— 1945...
Transfer of functions orders (“TFOs"), where applicable in relation to...
General provisions contained in section 32 of the Magistrates’ Courts...
Other sections — not classified into a Part
These sections sit outside the numbered Parts — usually provisions added or moved by later amendments.
Browse 1 other section
Table of Derivations
Official guidance
Authoritative sources published by regulators or government explaining this legislation.
- Natural Resources Wales / Restoring Sustainable Abstraction (RSA) (opens in a new tab) from NRW Detailed Guidance
- Natural Resources Wales / Regulatory statement 044.4: Using unbound incinerator bottom ash aggregate in construction activities (opens in a new tab) from NRW Detailed Guidance
- Natural Resources Wales / Public participation: how you can take part in our permit and licence consultations (opens in a new tab) from NRW Detailed Guidance
- Natural Resources Wales / Dee Water Protection Zone (opens in a new tab) from NRW Detailed Guidance
- Natural Resources Wales / Spray irrigation restrictions during dry weather (opens in a new tab) from NRW Detailed Guidance
- Natural Resources Wales / Decommission a large raised reservoir (opens in a new tab) from NRW Detailed Guidance
- Legislation - Ofwat (opens in a new tab) from Ofwat Detailed Guidance
- DWI: drinking water quality (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- GOV.UK: freshwater rod and net fishing (opens in a new tab) from Environment Agency Detailed Guidance
- FSA: shellfish classification (opens in a new tab) from FSA Detailed Guidance
- ... and 53 more
Enforcement and responsible bodies
The regulators that administer or enforce this legislation.
Environment Agency
PrimaryEnvironmental protection in England. Regulates waste, emissions, water quality, flood risk, and environmental permits for industrial activities. Enforces environmental law and issues …
Water Services Regulation Authority
Economic regulator for the water and sewerage sectors in England and Wales. Sets price limits, monitors service quality, and enforces environmental duties. …
Office for Environmental Protection
Independent body established post-Brexit to scrutinise environmental law and investigate complaints about public authorities' failures to comply with environmental law in England …
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Government department responsible for environmental protection, food production and standards, agriculture, fisheries, and rural communities. Sets environmental policy and works with agencies …
Mining Remediation Authority (formerly Coal Authority)
Manages effects of historical coal mining in England, Scotland, and Wales. Handles subsidence damage claims, mine water pollution, and other mining legacy …
Natural Resources Wales
Principal environmental regulator for Wales. Combines functions of Environment Agency Wales, Countryside Council for Wales, and Forestry Commission Wales. Issues environmental permits, …
Connected legislation
13 statutory instruments
These instruments amend, apply, or refer to this Act. They may not all create direct business obligations.
Secondary legislation (13)
- The Nitrate Pollution Prevention (Amendment) and Water Resources (Control of Pollution) (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 2013
- The Water Abstraction (Specified Enactments) Regulations 2017 2017
- The Water Abstraction (Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2019 2019
- The Water Abstraction (Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2022 2022
- The Water Abstraction (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2017 2017
- The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2016 2016
- The Water Resources (Abstraction and Impounding) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 2008
- The Water Resources Act 1991 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 2009
- The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2023 2023
- .The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2023 2023
- The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 2022
- The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 2023
- The Water Resources (Control of Pollution) (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 2010
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