Resource Library
A curated collection of official guidance documents, legislation, technical standards, and data sources for water abstraction in England and Wales.
12 resources
Water Resources Act 1991 — Full Text
The primary legislation governing water abstraction in England and Wales, as amended by the Water Act 2003.
Water Abstraction Plan 2017
Government and Environment Agency plan for reforming water abstraction management in England.
Check if You Need a Licence to Abstract Water
Official GOV.UK guidance on when an abstraction licence is required and how to apply.
Water Abstraction and Impounding (Exemptions) Regulations 2017
Secondary legislation defining activities exempt from the requirement to hold an abstraction licence.
Environment Agency: Water Abstraction Data
Open data on licensed water abstraction points across England, including licence details and volumes.
Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies (CAMS)
EA guidance on CAMS — the primary tool for managing abstraction at the catchment level in England.
Fish Screening Guidance
Environment Agency technical guidance on the design and installation of fish screens at abstraction intakes.
BS 8515:2009+A1:2013 — Rainwater Harvesting Systems
British Standard providing guidance on the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of rainwater harvesting systems.
Natural Resources Wales: Water Abstraction and Impoundment
NRW guidance on water abstraction licensing in Wales, including how to apply and what conditions apply.
River Basin Management Plans — England
Environment Agency River Basin Management Plans setting out the objectives for water bodies in England under the Water Framework Directive.
Managing Water Abstraction — EA Overview
Environment Agency overview of how water abstraction is managed in England, including the licensing system and sustainability reforms.
HM Land Registry — Search Property Information
Official HM Land Registry service for searching property title information, including land associated with water abstraction points.