| Guvnor

Enforced by: Environment Agency, Ofwat, OEP, DEFRA, Mining Remediation Authority, NRW
Status: Amended (in force with amendments)
Penalty ceiling: Imprisonment 10 of 92 obligations carry an unlimited fine. 21 carry different penalties and 61 have no criminal penalty — flagged in the list below.

Does it bind you?

Business-side roles with duties under this instrument.

Any Person39 Occupier4 Licence Holder2 Applicant1 Operator1 Director or Officer1 Landlord1

Plus 43 duties on the regulator, Crown ministers and public bodies — folded into the section list below.

Other Acts binding the same actors

If a role above is yours, these are the other instruments that most often bind it.

Any Person — also bound by 2340 other Acts

Human Medicines Regulations 2012 184 duties

Merchant Shipping Act 1995 144 duties

Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016 104 duties

Communications Act 2003 92 duties

Road Traffic Act 1988 92 duties

Occupier — also bound by 235 other Acts

The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021 47 duties

Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (England) (No. 2) Order 2006 46 duties

The Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995 34 duties

Highways Act 1980 23 duties

Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations 2015 19 duties

Licence Holder — also bound by 225 other Acts

Petroleum (Current Model Clauses) Order 1999 318 duties

The Petroleum Licensing (Exploration and Production) (Seaward and Landward Areas) Regulations 2004 123 duties

Human Medicines Regulations 2012 83 duties

Space Industry Regulations 2021 68 duties

The Petroleum (Production) (Landward Areas) Regulations 1991 65 duties

Applicant — also bound by 307 other Acts

Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016 46 duties

Human Medicines Regulations 2012 42 duties

The Land Registration Rules 2003 25 duties

Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 (Aircrew) 20 duties

Value Added Tax Regulations 1995 18 duties

Operator — also bound by 746 other Acts

Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 (Air Operations) 203 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) 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) 112 duties

Space Industry Regulations 2021 76 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) 66 duties

Director or Officer — also bound by 429 other Acts

Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016 162 duties

Companies Act 2006 126 duties

Insolvency Act 1986 77 duties

The Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 68 duties

Building Societies Act 1986 32 duties

Landlord — also bound by 224 other Acts

Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 74 duties

Housing Act 1985 55 duties

Housing Act 1996 30 duties

The Service Charges (Consultation Requirements) (England) Regulations 2003 27 duties

The Service Charges (Consultation Requirements) (Wales) Regulations 2004 26 duties

What it requires

Sections creating concrete business duties or carrying penalties, grouped as the instrument is structured. Titles link to the source text — blue means you’re leaving for legislation.gov.uk.

Part 1

PRELIMINARY

1 of 18 sections shown

s.015 General duties with respect to the water industry. Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Environment Agency and NRW must consider water industry duties in decisionsStatutory regulator

17 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional

s.001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

Part 2

Water Resources Management

13 of 87 sections shown

s.019 General management of resources by the Agency. Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Environment Agency must manage and conserve water resourcesStatutory regulator

s.020 Water resources management schemes. Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Environment Agency must maintain water management schemes with undertakersStatutory regulator

s.024 Restrictions on abstraction. Prosecution

Abstract water or construct boreholes without a licenceAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.025 Restrictions on impounding. Prosecution

Constructing or altering water impounding works without a licenceAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.025 Consequences of not complying with an enforcement notice Prosecution

Fail to comply with an enforcement noticeAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.038 General consideration of applications. Regulated

Apply for or vary water abstraction and impoundment licencesAny Person

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Regulator must determine water licence applications based on specific criteriaStatutory regulator

s.040 Obligation to take river flow etc. into account. Regulated

Assess water abstraction impact on river flow levelsAny Person

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Regulators must consider river flow levels when assessing water licencesStatutory regulator

s.059 Transfer of licence Regulated

Notify the relevant agency to transfer a water licenceLicence Holder

s.059 Vesting of licence on death or bankruptcy of holder Regulated

Notify the regulator if you inherit or take over a water licenceAny Person

s.065 Licences of right. Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Environment Agency must grant water 'licences of right' under Schedule 7Statutory regulator

s.067 Ecclesiastical property. Regulated

Manage water abstraction licences for Church of England (ecclesiastical) landAny Person

s.075 Provisions and duration of emergency drought order. Regulated

Comply with emergency drought order water restrictionsAny Person

s.080 Offences against drought order. Prosecution

Breach of a drought order or permitAny Person

Unlimited fine

74 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional

s.020 Water resources management schemes: other abstractors

s.020 Water resources management schemes: referral to Secretary of State

s.020 Proposals for bulk supply arrangements

s.021 Minimum acceptable flows.

s.022 Directions to the appropriate agency to consider minimum acceptable flow.

s.023 Minimum acceptable level or volume of inland waters.

s.024 Abstraction licences

s.025 Enforcement notices

s.025 Rights of entry and appeals

s.026 Rights of navigation, harbour and conservancy authorities.

s.027 Rights to abstract small quantities.

s.027 Variation of small quantity threshold

s.028 Curtailment of rights under section 27.

s.029 Rights to abstract for drainage purposes etc.

s.030 Notices with respect to borings not requiring licences.

s.031 Appeals against conservation notices under section 30.

s.032 Miscellaneous rights to abstract.

s.033 Power to provide for further rights to abstract.

s.033 Power to provide for further exemptions

s.034 Regulations with respect to applications.

s.035 Restrictions on persons who may make applications for abstraction licences.

s.036 Application for combined abstraction and impounding licence.

s.036 Applications: types of abstraction licence

s.037 Publication of application for licence.

s.037 Power to dispense with publication requirements

s.039 Obligation to have regard to existing rights and privileges.

s.039 Protected rights for the purposes of this Chapter

s.039 Register of certain protected rights

s.041 Secretary of State’s power to call in applications

s.042 Consideration of called-in applications.

s.043 Appeals to the Secretary of State.

s.044 Determination of appeals.

s.045 Regulations with respect to appeals.

s.046 Form and contents of licences.

s.046 Limited extension of abstraction licence validity

s.046 Power to impose general conditions with respect to licensed activity by water companies

s.047 Holders of licence.

s.048 General effect of licence.

s.048 Civil remedies for loss or damage due to water abstraction

s.049 Succession to licences to abstract where person ceases to occupy the relevant land.

s.050 Succession where person becomes occupier of part of the relevant land.

s.051 Modification on application of licence holder.

s.052 Proposals for modification at instance of the appropriate agency or Secretary of State.

s.053 Modification in pursuance of proposals under section 52.

s.054 Reference of modification proposals to the Secretary of State.

s.055 Application for modification of licence by owner of fishing rights.

s.056 Determination of application under section 55.

s.057 Emergency variation of licences for spray irrigation purposes.

s.058 s.58

s.059 Regulations with respect to modification applications.

s.059 Apportionment of licence to abstract

s.059 Apportionment of licence to abstract: supplementary

s.060 Liability of the appropriate agency for derogation from protected right.

s.061 Compensation where licence modified on direction of the Secretary of State.

s.061 Recovery of compensation from new licence-holder

s.061 No compensation where modification to protect environment: England

s.061 No compensation where variation to remove excess headroom: England

s.062 Compensation for owner of fishing rights applying under section 55.

s.063 Secretary of State to indemnify appropriate agency in certain cases.

s.064 Abstracting and impounding by the appropriate agency.

s.066 Inland waters owned or managed by Canal & River Trust.

s.068 s.68

s.069 Validity of decisions of Secretary of State and related proceedings.

s.070 Civil liability under Chapter II.

s.071 Modification of local enactments.

s.072 Interpretation of Chapter II.

s.073 Power to make ordinary and emergency drought orders.

s.074 Provisions and duration of ordinary drought order.

s.076 Provisions of drought order restricting use of water.

s.077 Provisions of drought order with respect to abstractions and discharges.

s.078 Works under drought orders.

s.079 Compensation and charges where drought order made.

s.079 Drought permits.

s.081 Interpretation of Chapter III.

Part 3

Control of Pollution of Water Resources

7 of 27 sections shown

s.084 General duties to achieve and maintain objectives etc. Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Environment Agency and DEFRA must maintain water quality standardsStatutory regulator

s.085 Offences of polluting controlled waters. Regulated

Pollute controlled watersAny Person

s.091 Mine operators to give the appropriate agency six months’ notice of any proposed abandonment. Prosecution

Give six months' notice before abandoning a mineOperator

Unlimited fine

s.093 Water protection zones. Imprisonment

Carry out prohibited activity in a water protection zoneAny Person

s.102 Power to give effect to international obligations etc.

amended 5 times (opens in a new tab)

s.103 Transitional pollution provisions.

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.104 Meaning of “controlled waters" etc. in Part III.

amended 4 times (opens in a new tab)

20 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional

s.082 Classification of quality of waters.

s.083 Water quality objectives.

s.086 Prohibition of certain discharges by notice or regulations.

s.087 Discharges into and from public sewers etc.

s.088 Defence to principal offences in respect of authorised discharges.

s.089 Other defences to principal offences.

s.090 Offences in connection with deposits and vegetation in rivers.

s.090 Applications for consent under section 89 or 90.

s.090 Enforcement notices.

s.091 Appeals in respect of consents under Chapter II.

s.091 Introductory.

s.092 Requirements to take precautions against pollution.

s.094 Nitrate sensitive areas.

s.095 Agreements in nitrate sensitive areas.

s.096 Regulations with respect to consents required by virtue of section 93 or 94.

s.097 Codes of good agricultural practice.

s.098 Radioactive substances.

s.099 Consents required by the Agency.

s.100 Civil liability in respect of pollution and savings.

s.101 Limitation for summary offences under Part III.

Part 4

FLOOD DEFENCE

5 of 9 sections shown

s.105 General functions with respect to flood defence. Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Environment Agency and NRW must survey flood defence areasStatutory regulator

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.106 Obligation to carry out flood defence functions through committees.

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.109 Structures in, over or under a main river.

amended 43 times (opens in a new tab)

s.110 Applications for consents and approvals under section 109.

amended 5 times (opens in a new tab)

s.113 Interpretation of Part IV.

amended 4 times (opens in a new tab)

4 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional

s.107 Main river functions under the Land Drainage Act 1991.

s.108 Schemes for transfer to the appropriate agency of functions in relation to main river.

s.111 Arrangements with navigation and conservancy authorities.

s.112 Flood defence regulations.

Part 5

GENERAL CONTROL OF FISHERIES

3 of 3 sections shown

s.114 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.115 Fisheries orders.

amended 6 times (opens in a new tab)

s.116 Power to give effect to international obligations etc.

amended 9 times (opens in a new tab)

Part 6

FINANCIAL PROVISIONS IN RELATION TO THE APPROPRIATE AGENCY

24 of 37 sections shown

s.117 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.118 Special duties with respect to flood defence revenue.

amended 23 times (opens in a new tab)

s.119 Duties with respect to certain funds raised under local enactments. Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Environment Agency must restrict use of specific historical fundsStatutory regulator

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.120 Contributions between the appropriate agency and certain other authorities.

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.125 Specific exemptions from water resources charges.

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.126 Agreements containing exemptions from charges.

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.128 Duration of agreement under section 127. Regulated

Adhere to fixed terms and termination rules for spray irrigation agreementsApplicant

s.129 Directions and appeals with respect to exercise of powers under sections 127 and 128.

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.130 Charges in respect of abstraction from waters of Canal & River Trust.

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.131 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.132 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.133 Power to authorise the Agency to issue levies.

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.134 Raising of general drainage charges.

amended 5 times (opens in a new tab)

s.135 Amount, assessment etc. of general drainage charge. Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Regulators must calculate and set the general drainage charge amountCrown / Minister / Government department

amended 6 times (opens in a new tab)

s.137 Special drainage charges in interests of agriculture.

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.138 Levying and amount of special drainage charge.

amended 5 times (opens in a new tab)

s.140 Appeals in respect of resolutions under section 139.

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.141 Precepts for recovery of contributions from internal drainage boards. Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Environment Agency must provide a statement of purposes and calculationStatutory regulator

s.142 Fisheries contributions.

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.143 Power of appropriate agency to levy navigation tolls.

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.144 Incidental power of the Authority to impose charges.

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.145 Interpretation of Chapter II.

amended 4 times (opens in a new tab)

s.146 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.147 Grants for drainage works.

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

13 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional

s.121 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.122 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.123 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.124 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.127 Special charges in respect of spray irrigation.

s.136 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.139 Contributions from internal drainage boards.

s.148 Grants towards cost of flood warning systems.

s.149 Other grants in respect of exercise of powers under Part VII for drainage purposes.

s.150 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.151 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.152 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.153 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

Part 7

Land and Works Powers

36 of 43 sections shown

s.154 Compulsory purchase etc.

amended 17 times (opens in a new tab)

s.155 Accretions of land resulting from drainage works.

amended 8 times (opens in a new tab)

s.156 Acquisition of land etc. for fisheries purposes.

amended 6 times (opens in a new tab)

s.157 Restriction on disposals of compulsorily acquired land.

amended 8 times (opens in a new tab)

s.158 Works agreements for water resources purposes.

amended 13 times (opens in a new tab)

s.159 Powers to lay pipes in streets.

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.160 Power to lay pipes in other land.

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.161 Anti-pollution works and operations

amended 10 times (opens in a new tab)

s.161 Notices requiring persons to carry out works and operations

amended 10 times

s.161 Works notices: form etc

amended 10 times

s.161 Works notices: exceptions etc

amended 10 times

s.161 Grant of, and compensation for, rights of entry etc. Regulated

Grant access for required water works and claim compensationAny Person

amended 10 times

s.161 Appeals against works notices.

amended 10 times

s.161 Consequences of not complying with a works notice. Imprisonment

Fail to comply with a works noticeAny Person

2 years imprisonment · amended 10 times

s.161 Other works and operations in respect of harm to controlled waters

amended 10 times

s.161 Works and operations for improving controlled waters

amended 10 times

s.161 Sections 161 to 161ZB: supplementary

amended 10 times

s.162 Other powers to deal with foul water and pollution.

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.163 Discharges for works purposes. Prosecution

Pollute watercourses during drainage or maintenance worksAny Person

Fine up to £1,000 · amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.164 Consents for certain discharges under section 163. Prosecution

Unauthorised or non-compliant discharge from large pipesAny Person

Fine up to £1,000 · amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.165 General powers to carry out works

amended 12 times (opens in a new tab)

s.166 Power to carry out works for purpose of providing flood warning system.

amended 9 times (opens in a new tab)

s.167 Power to dispose of spoil in connection with flood defence works.

amended 3 times (opens in a new tab)

s.167 Flood defence and drainage works

amended 3 times

s.168 Compulsory works orders.

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.169 Powers of entry for enforcement purposes.

amended 11 times (opens in a new tab)

s.170 Power of entry for certain works purposes.

amended 8 times (opens in a new tab)

s.171 Power to carry out surveys and to search for water.

amended 10 times (opens in a new tab)

s.172 Powers of entry for other purposes.

amended 8 times (opens in a new tab)

s.173 Powers of entry: supplemental provisions. Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Regulators must follow specific procedures when entering business premisesStatutory regulator

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.174 Impersonation of persons exercising powers of entry. Prosecution

Impersonate an environmental officer to gain entry to premisesAny Person

Unlimited fine · amended 3 times (opens in a new tab)

s.176 Offence of interference with works etc. Prosecution

Interfere with water mains, pipes, or monitoring equipmentAny Person

Fine up to £1,000

s.177 Compensation etc. in respect of exercise of works powers. Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Environment Agency must pay compensation and minimize works damageStatutory regulator

s.184 Duties to make recreational facilities available when building reservoirs in Wales. Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

NRW must provide recreational facilities when building reservoirs in WalesStatutory regulator

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.185 Savings in respect of existing drainage obligations.

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.186 Interpretation of Part VII.

amended 3 times (opens in a new tab)

7 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional

s.175 Vesting of pipes in the appropriate agency.

s.178 Protection for particular undertakings.

s.179 Protective provisions in respect of flood defence works and watercourses etc.

s.180 Power of navigation authorities etc to divert the appropriate agency's watercourses.

s.181 Works in tidal lands etc.

s.182 Mineral rights.

s.183 Saving for planning controls etc.

Part 8

INFORMATION PROVISIONS

22 of 33 sections shown

s.187 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.188 Duty of the Agency and NRBW to publish information Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Environment Agency and NRW must publish water resource and demand dataStatutory regulator

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.189 Register of abstraction and impounding licences. Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Environment Agency must maintain a public register of water licencesStatutory regulator

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.190 Pollution control register. Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Environment Agency must maintain and provide access to pollution registersStatutory regulator

amended 18 times (opens in a new tab)

s.192 Maps of fresh-water limits. Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Government and Environment Agency must maintain and publish fresh-water mapsCrown / Minister / Government department

s.193 The main river map for England Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Environment Agency must maintain the official main river map for EnglandStatutory regulator

s.193 Inspection and copies Regulated

Pay usage fees for commercial access to main river map dataAny Person

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Environment Agency must provide access to and copies of main river mapsStatutory regulator

s.194 The main river map for Wales Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

NRW must maintain the main river map for WalesStatutory regulator

s.194 Inspection and copies Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

NRW must provide access to and copies of the Welsh main river mapStatutory regulator

s.195 Maps of waterworks.

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.196 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.197 Provision of information about water flow etc. Prosecution

Refuse or fail to allow inspection of water recordsAny Person
Refuse or fail to allow water authority to inspect flow recordsAny Person

Fine up to £200 · amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.198 Information about underground water. Imprisonment

Fail to comply with well or borehole notification and reporting dutiesOccupier
Failure to notify or provide records for deep wells and boreholesOccupier

3 months imprisonment · amended 5 times (opens in a new tab)

s.199 Notice etc. of mining operations which may affect water conservation. Prosecution

Failure to notify or follow water conservation rules for mining operationsAny Person

Unlimited fine · amended 4 times (opens in a new tab)

s.199 Appeals against conservation notices under section 199

amended 4 times

s.200 Gauges and records kept by other persons. Prosecution

Fail to notify installation of water gaugesAny Person
Fail to notify the environment agency before installing a water gaugeAny Person

Fine up to £200

s.201 Power to require information with respect to abstraction. Prosecution

Fail to provide water abstraction informationAny Person

Unlimited fine · amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.202 Information and assistance required in connection with the control of pollution. Imprisonment

Fail to provide information regarding water pollutionAny Person

2 years imprisonment · amended 10 times (opens in a new tab)

s.203 Exchange of information with respect to pollution incidents etc. Regulated

Share water quality and pollution information with regulators upon requestLicence Holder

amended 21 times (opens in a new tab)

s.204 Restriction on disclosure of information. Prosecution

Unlawfully disclose confidential business informationAny Person

Unlimited fine · amended 48 times (opens in a new tab)

s.205 Confidentiality of information relating to underground water etc. Regulated

Fail to comply with confidentiality obligationsAny Person

amended 7 times (opens in a new tab)

s.206 Making of false statements etc. Imprisonment

Provide false information or tamper with water monitoring equipmentAny Person

2 years imprisonment · amended 4 times (opens in a new tab)

11 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional

s.191 Register for the purposes of works discharges.

s.191 Exclusion from registers of information affecting national security.

s.191 Exclusion from registers of certain confidential information.

s.193 Replacing the main river map for England

s.193 Determinations as to main rivers

s.193 Appeals

s.193 Guidance

s.194 Replacing the main river map for Wales

s.194 Determinations as to main rivers

s.194 Appeals

s.194 Guidance

Part 9

MISCELLANEOUS AND SUPPLEMENTAL

15 of 19 sections shown

s.207 Directions in the interests of national security etc. Imprisonment

Disclose information protected in the interests of national securityAny Person
Unauthorised disclosure of sensitive national security informationAny Person

2 years imprisonment · amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.208 Civil liability of the Agency or NRBW for escapes of water etc

amended 9 times (opens in a new tab)

s.209 Evidence of samples and abstractions.

amended 3 times (opens in a new tab)

s.210 Byelaw-making powers of the appropriate agency.

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.211 Enforcement of byelaws. Prosecution

Breach of water resource or environmental byelawsAny Person
Contravene water byelawsAny Person

Unlimited fine · amended 4 times (opens in a new tab)

s.212 Compensation in respect of certain fisheries byelaws.

amended 6 times (opens in a new tab)

s.216 Enforcement: powers and duties. Regulated

Comply with water abstraction and impounding restrictionsAny Person

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Environment Agency and others must enforce water resource regulationsStatutory regulator

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.217 Criminal liabilities of directors and other third parties. Imprisonment

Personal liability for directors and managers for company water offencesDirector or Officer

2 years imprisonment · amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.218 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.219 Powers to make regulations.

amended 4 times (opens in a new tab)

s.220 Provisions relating to service of documents.

amended 2 times (opens in a new tab)

s.221 General interpretation.

amended 32 times (opens in a new tab)

s.222 Crown application.

amended 7 times (opens in a new tab)

s.223 Exemption for visiting forces.

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.224 Application to the Isles of Scilly.

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

4 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional

s.213 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.214 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.215 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

s.225 Short title, commencement and extent.

Schedules

28 of 225 shown

s.sch005 The appropriate agency shall, at the request of any person,... Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Water regulator must provide draft statement on requestStatutory regulator

s.sch005 (1) Where a statement is approved under this Schedule, whether... Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Regulator must publish approval notices and keep statements for public inspectionStatutory regulator

s.sch006 Where an application for an order is made, the appropriate... Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Agency must provide copy of draft order on requestStatutory regulator

s.sch006 (1) Where an order is made under section 27A(1) or... Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Environment Agency must publish drought order notices and keep them available for public inspectionStatutory regulator

s.sch011 Where the appropriate agency has applied for an order under... Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Agency must provide copies of draft water protection zone orders on requestStatutory regulator

s.sch014 As soon as any scheme under section 108 of this... Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Appropriate agency must circulate and publicise section 108 schemesStatutory regulator

s.sch014 As soon as may be after an order under section... Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Ministers must publish notice when a section 108 order takes effectCrown / Minister / Government department

s.sch015 SUPPLEMENTAL PROVISIONS WITH RESPECT TO DRAINAGE CHARGES Prosecution

Respond to notices identifying land occupiersLandlord

Fine up to £2,500

s.sch015 (1) The appropriate agency may serve on the owner of... Prosecution

Fail to provide occupier details or give false information to the Environment AgencyAny Person

Fine up to £2,500

s.sch015 (1) Subject to paragraph 6 below, the appropriate agency may... Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Environment Agency must notify occupier and provide 10% early payment discount when transferring drainage charges to landownerStatutory regulator

s.sch015 (1) The occupier of any chargeable land may, by notice... Regulated

Notify the agency to opt out of drainage arrangements on your landOccupier

s.sch015 (1) The appropriate agency may serve on any person appearing... Prosecution

Fail to provide land return or give false informationOccupier

Fine up to £2,500

s.sch019 Where the appropriate agency is applying for a compulsory works... Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Agency must provide draft order and maps on requestStatutory regulator

s.sch019 (1) If the value of any interest in any relevant... Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Agency must compensate landowners for loss from compulsory works ordersStatutory regulator

s.sch020 Supplemental Provisions with respect to Powers of Entry Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Regulators must provide 7 days' notice before entering your premisesStatutory regulator

s.sch020 (1) Without prejudice to any power exercisable by virtue of... Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Authorised officers must give seven days' notice before entering premises (with exceptions)Statutory regulator

s.sch020 A person designated as the person who may exercise any... Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Designated officers must show their credentials before using their powersStatutory regulator

s.sch020 (1) Where any person exercises any power to which this... Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Relevant authority must compensate for loss or damage from entry powersStatutory regulator

s.sch020 A person who intentionally obstructs another person acting in the... Imprisonment

Intentionally obstruct a regulator exercising statutory powersAny Person

s.sch021 CCOMPENSATION ETC. IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN WORKS POWER Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Environment Agency must pay compensation for damage caused by worksStatutory regulator

s.sch021 (1) This paragraph applies, in relation to the appropriate agency,... Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Agency must minimise damage and pay compensation for street worksStatutory regulator

s.sch021 (1) It shall be the duty of the appropriate agency—... Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Environment Agency must minimise damage and pay compensation when discharging waterStatutory regulator

s.sch022 PROCTECTION FOR PARTICULAR UNDERTAKINGS Prosecution

Interfere with railway or navigation property during street worksAny Person
Unauthorised street works affecting railways or navigation authoritiesAny Person

Fine up to £1,000

s.sch022 (1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph and... Prosecution

Open a restricted street without consentAny Person

Fine up to £1,000

s.sch023 (1) If the owner of any mines or minerals underlying... Regulated

Notify the water agency before working mines or minerals under its landAny Person

s.sch026 (1) No byelaw made by the appropriate agency shall have... Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Agency must publicise, deposit and provide access to proposed byelaws before confirmationStatutory regulator

s.sch027 The appropriate agency must, within 24 hours of making an... Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Agency must notify national authority of emergency fisheries byelaw within 24 hoursStatutory regulator

s.sch027 The appropriate agency must publish notice of the making of... Regulated

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator

Appropriate agency must publish emergency fisheries byelaw noticeStatutory regulator

197 other schedules

s.sch001 Membership

s.sch001 (1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, a...

s.sch001 (1) Any document which the Authority is authorised or required...

s.sch001 In this Schedule— “the appropriate Minister”, in relation to any...

s.sch001 (1) The Authority shall pay to its members such remuneration,...

s.sch001 (1) The Authority may, with the approval of the Secretary...

s.sch001 Subject to the following provisions of this Schedule and to...

s.sch001 Subject to section 106 of this Act, anything authorised or...

s.sch001 (1) A member who is in any way directly or...

s.sch001 The validity of any proceedings of the Authority shall not...

s.sch001 (1) Minutes shall be kept of proceedings of the Authority,...

s.sch001 (1) The application of the seal of the Authority shall...

s.sch002 ORDERS AND AGREEMENTS FOR TRANFER OF OF NAVIGATION, HARBOUR AND CONSERVANCY FUNCTIONS

s.sch002 (1) The appropriate agency may at any time apply to...

s.sch002 (1) The Ministers shall by regulations make provision requiring the...

s.sch002 (1) If it appears to the Ministers by whom an...

s.sch002 (1) In this Schedule “local enactment” means—

s.sch002 (1) Before determining whether to make an order on an...

s.sch002 (1) If the Ministers propose to make an order on...

s.sch002 (1) An order under this Schedule may contain such incidental,...

s.sch002 (1) After making an order under this Schedule, the Ministers,...

s.sch002 (1) After making an order under this Schedule, the Ministers...

s.sch002 (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (3) below, if any person aggrieved...

s.sch002 (1) Where, by virtue of an order or agreement under...

s.sch002 (1) The costs incurred by the Ministers in connection with...

s.sch003 Power to make order

s.sch003 (1) The relevant Minister may by order made by statutory...

s.sch003 (1) Before making an order under this Schedule, the relevant...

s.sch003 (1) Where the relevant Minister makes an order under this...

s.sch003 (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, after making an order...

s.sch003 (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (3) below, if any person desires...

s.sch004 MEMBERSHIP OF FLOOD DEFENCE COMMITTEES

s.sch004 (1) Members of a flood defence committee (that is to...

s.sch004 (1) The Authority shall pay to any person who is...

s.sch004 (1) For the purpose of carrying out any functions in...

s.sch004 (1) Subject to section 106 of this Act and to...

s.sch004 (1) A flood defence committee may, with the approval of...

s.sch004 (1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, the...

s.sch004 (1) Any notice or other document which a flood defence...

s.sch004 (1) A minute of the proceedings of a meeting of...

s.sch004 (1) Members of a flood defence committee appointed by or...

s.sch004 (1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, a...

s.sch004 (1) The office of a member of a flood defence...

s.sch004 (1) The chairman of a regional flood defence committee may...

s.sch004 (1) The chairman of a local flood defence committee may...

s.sch004 (1) Where, for any reason whatsoever, the office of a...

s.sch004 Subject to the provisions of this Schedule, a member of...

s.sch004 (1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, a...

s.sch005 PROCEDURE RELATING TO STATEMENTS ON MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE FLOW

s.sch005 (1) This Schedule applies in the case of any draft...

s.sch005 (1) Before submitting the draft statement to the Secretary of...

s.sch005 (1) The Secretary of State may approve the statement either...

s.sch006 Orders relating to abstraction of small quantities and compulsory registration of protected rights

s.sch006 (1) An application to the Secretary of State for an...

s.sch006 (1) Where an application for an order is made, the...

s.sch007 LICENCES OF RIGHT

s.sch007 (1) Paragraphs 30 and 31 of Schedule 26 to the...

s.sch007 Subsection (2) of section 48 of this Act shall not...

s.sch007 No application shall be made under section 55 of this...

s.sch007 (1) Where the plaintiff in any action brought against the...

s.sch007 (1) No compensation shall be payable under section 61 of...

s.sch007 (1) In this Schedule references to a licence of right...

s.sch008 PROCEEDINGS ON APPLICATIONS FOR DROUGHT ORDERS

s.sch008 (1) The applicant for a drought order shall—

s.sch008 (1) If any objection is duly made with respect to...

s.sch008 After a drought order has been made, the person on...

s.sch009 COMPENSATION IN RESPECT OF DROUGHT ORDERS

s.sch009 Where a drought order has been made, compensation in respect...

s.sch009 (1) This paragraph shall apply for determining the compensation to...

s.sch009 (1) A claim for compensation under this Schedule shall be...

s.sch009 (1) A claim for compensation under paragraph 2 above may...

s.sch010 Discharge consents

s.sch011 WATER PROTECTION ZONE ORDERS

s.sch011 (1) Where the appropriate agency applies to the Secretary of...

s.sch011 (1) On an application for an order under section 93...

s.sch011 Without prejudice to section 53 of the 1995 Act (inquiries...

s.sch012 NITRATE SENSITIVE AREA ORDERS

s.sch013 TRANSITIONAL WATER POLLUTION PROVISIONS

s.sch014 ORDERS TRANSFERRING MAIN RIVER FUNCTIONS TO THE APPROPRIATE AGENCY

s.sch014 (1) Before either of the Ministers makes an order under...

s.sch014 (1) If any person aggrieved by an order under section...

s.sch014 The Ministers may make regulations in relation to—

s.sch015 (1) A drainage charge— (a) shall be raised by the...

s.sch015 (1) The appropriate agency may, as respects any drainage charge...

s.sch015 (1) If any person is aggrieved by—

s.sch015 (1) Arrears of any drainage charge may be recovered by...

s.sch015 (1) The appropriate agency and any relevant authority may enter...

s.sch015 (1) A drainage charge shall not be valid unless notice...

s.sch015 (1) Subject to paragraphs 4 and 5 below—

s.sch015 (1) Where land is chargeable land during part only of...

s.sch015 (1) The sum payable by way of a drainage charge...

s.sch016 SCHEMES IMPOSING SPECIAL DRAINAGE CHARGES

s.sch016 (1) Before submitting a special charges scheme to either of...

s.sch016 (1) In this Schedule— “special charges scheme” means a scheme...

s.sch016 (1) Subject to the following provisions of this Schedule the...

s.sch016 (1) Before either of the Ministers makes an order confirming...

s.sch016 (1) After either of the Ministers has made an order...

s.sch016 (1) If— (a) no such memorial as is mentioned in...

s.sch016 As soon as may be after an unconfirmed order has...

s.sch016 (1) If any person aggrieved by an unconfirmed order desires...

s.sch016 The Ministers may make regulations in relation to—

s.sch017 ORDERS WITH RESPECT TO NAVIGATION TOLLS

s.sch017 The power to make an order under section 143 of...

s.sch017 (1) The Secretary of State may hold inquiries for the...

s.sch017 (1) After the Secretary of State has made an order...

s.sch017 (1) If— (a) no such memorial as is mentioned in...

s.sch018 MODIFICATION OF COMPENSATION PROVISION ETC IN RELATION TO THE CREATION OF NEW RIGHTS

s.sch018 Subject to the following provisions of this Schedule, the enactments...

s.sch018 (1) The Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 (in the following provisions...

s.sch018 For section 7 of the 1965 Act (measure of compensation)...

s.sch018 Section 8(1) of the Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 has effect...

s.sch018 The following provisions of the 1965 Act (being provisions stating...

s.sch018 Section 11 of the 1965 Act (powers of entry) shall...

s.sch018 Section 20 of the 1965 Act (protection for interests of...

s.sch018 Section 22 of the 1965 Act (protection of acquiring authority’s...

s.sch019 ORDERS CONFERRING COMPULSORY WORKS POWERS

s.sch019 (1) Where the appropriate agency applies to either of the...

s.sch019 In this Schedule— “bridleway” and “footpath” have the same meanings...

s.sch019 (1) On an application for a compulsory works order, the...

s.sch019 (1) If, where an application for a compulsory works order...

s.sch019 (1) As soon as practicable after a compulsory works order...

s.sch019 (1) Without prejudice to the provisions of Schedule 23 to...

s.sch019 Where— (a) in connection with any engineering or building operations...

s.sch019 The provisions of section 179 and paragraphs 1, 2 and...

s.sch020 (1) If it is shown to the satisfaction of a...

s.sch020 A person authorised to enter any premises or vessel by...

s.sch020 A person who enters any premises or vessel in the...

s.sch020 (1) In this Schedule— “relevant authority”, in relation to a...

s.sch021 (1) If the value of any interest in any relevant...

s.sch021 (1) Any question of disputed compensation under paragraph 2 above...

s.sch021 (1) Where injury is sustained by any person by reason...

s.sch022 (1) Nothing in any of the provisions of this Act...

s.sch022 (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, nothing in—

s.sch022 (1) Without prejudice to the preceding provisions of this Schedule,...

s.sch022 Part 10 of Schedule 3A to the Communications Act 2003...

s.sch022 In this Schedule “railway company” means the British Railways Board,...

s.sch023 MINERAL RIGHTS

s.sch023 (1) This paragraph applies in each of the following cases,...

s.sch023 (1) If the working of any mines or minerals is...

s.sch023 (1) Where mines or minerals underlying any part of the...

s.sch023 (1) Any person designated in writing for the purpose by...

s.sch023 Nothing in any provision of this Act or of any...

s.sch023 (1) In this Schedule— “conveyance” has the same meaning as...

s.sch024 DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

s.sch025 BYELAW - MAKING POWERS OF THE APPROPRIATE AGENCY

s.sch025 (1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph but...

s.sch025 (1) The appropriate agency shall have power to make such...

s.sch025 (1) The appropriate agency may by byelaws make such provision...

s.sch025 (1) The appropriate agency may make such byelaws in relation...

s.sch025 (1) The appropriate agency shall have power, in relation to...

s.sch025 (1) Any power to make byelaws conferred by paragraph 6...

s.sch025 (1) The Agency shall not make any byelaws by virtue...

s.sch026 PROCEDURE RELATING TO BYELAWS MADE BY THE APPROPRIATE AGENCY

s.sch026 (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (3) below, the relevant Minister, with...

s.sch026 (1) The relevant Minister may fix the date on which...

s.sch026 (1) Every byelaw made by the appropriate agency and confirmed...

s.sch026 If it appears to the relevant Minister that the revocation...

s.sch026 The production of a printed copy of a byelaw purporting...

s.sch026 In this Schedule “the relevant Minister”— (a) in relation to...

s.sch027 Emergency fisheries byelaws

s.sch027 (1) In this Schedule, “ emergency fisheries byelaw ” means...

s.sch027 In this Schedule “ appropriate national authority ” has the...

s.sch027 An emergency fisheries byelaw comes into force—

s.sch027 (1) If at any time the appropriate national authority is...

s.sch027 (1) Subject to paragraph 7 below, an emergency fisheries byelaw...

s.sch027 (1) The appropriate agency may, at any time before an...

s.sch027 (1) Every emergency fisheries byelaw shall be printed and deposited...

s.sch027 The production of a printed copy of an emergency fisheries...

s.schedule n27 para.1 Note: The following abbreviations are used in this Table:— 1945...

s.schedule n27 para.2 Transfer of functions orders (“TFOs"), where applicable in relation to...

s.schedule n27 para.3 General provisions contained in section 32 of the Magistrates’ Courts...

1 other provision

s.table of derivations Table of Derivations

Help complying

Guvnor’s practical routes through this instrument.

Environmental compliance for new businesses

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Responding to environmental enforcement

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Failed a farm inspection: what to do next

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How to apply for a licence to abstract water from rivers, streams, boreholes, or other sources. Covers the 20 cubic metres per …

17 more guides that reference this instrument

Comply with Farming Rules for Water Get a water discharge permit Make soft drinks and bottled water: levy, recognition and water abstraction Meet your aquaculture and freshwater fishing duties Meet your water industry regulatory duties Prevent pollution from your business Report an environmental incident Slurry and silage storage compliance (SSAFO) Understand farm rules after cross-compliance ended Water management and drought resilience for businesses 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

Connected legislation

Instruments made under this Act. They carry the detail the Act delegates.

The Nitrate Pollution Prevention (Amendment) and Water Resources (Control of Pollution) (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 SI 2013/1001

The Water Abstraction (Specified Enactments) Regulations 2017 SI 2017/1042

The Water Abstraction (Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2019 SI 2019/1455

The Water Abstraction (Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2022 SI 2022/1302

The Water Abstraction (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2017 SI 2017/1047

The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2016 SI 2016/138

The Water Resources (Abstraction and Impounding) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 SI 2008/165

The Water Resources Act 1991 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 SI 2009/3104

The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2023 SI 2023/1070 Welsh Statutory Instrument

.The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2023 SI 2023/1393 Welsh Statutory Instrument

The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 SI 2022/1305 Welsh Statutory Instrument

The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 SI 2023/466 Welsh Statutory Instrument

The Water Resources (Control of Pollution) (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 SI 2010/1091

Duty extraction and severity labels are Guvnor’s analysis of the instrument, not the instrument itself. Always verify against the linked source text.