Water Resources Act 1991, No. 57 (as amended)

The Water Resources Act 1991 is a significant piece of legislation in the United Kingdom that focuses on the management and protection of water resources. Its main purpose is to ensure sustainable water use, prevent pollution of water bodies, and regulate various activities that could impact water quality and availability.

The act sets forth a range of requirements and provisions aimed at achieving these goals:

1. Abstraction and Impounding: The act establishes a licensing system for abstracting water (taking water from rivers, lakes, or underground sources) and impounding water (building dams or reservoirs). It requires individuals or entities to obtain licenses from the environmental agency for such activities, ensuring that water is extracted and stored in a manner that avoids ecological harm or excessive depletion.
2. Pollution Prevention: The act imposes strict regulations to prevent pollution of water bodies. It outlines standards and measures to control discharges of pollutants, chemicals, and waste into water sources, safeguarding water quality for both environmental and human health reasons.
3. Fisheries Protection: The act includes provisions to protect fisheries and aquatic life. It establishes controls on fish passes and screens to facilitate the migration of fish, promoting their populations' health and preserving biodiversity.
4. Enforcement and Penalties: The act provides authorities with the power to enforce its provisions. It outlines penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential legal actions, to ensure that individuals and organizations adhere to the prescribed regulations.
5. Conservation of Water Resources: The act encourages the efficient use of water resources by promoting measures for water conservation and sustainable consumption.
6. Water Management Plans: It mandates the development and implementation of water management plans that set out strategies for water resource management, pollution prevention, and conservation.

The Water Resources Act 1991 applies to various entities and activities, including individuals, industries, agriculture, and other sectors that interact with water resources. This encompasses water abstraction, impoundment, discharges, and other activities that may affect water quality or quantity.

In summary, the Water Resources Act 1991 serves as a comprehensive legal framework in the UK to ensure the responsible management, use, and protection of water resources. It addresses abstraction, pollution prevention, fisheries protection, enforcement, conservation, and more, applying to a wide range of activities and stakeholders to safeguard the integrity and sustainability of water ecosystems.

The Water Resources Act 1991 outlines specific evidence requirements to ensure compliance with its regulations and provisions. These evidence requirements play a crucial role in establishing accountability, preventing pollution, and managing water resources effectively. The Act requires individuals, organizations, and authorities to provide appropriate evidence for various activities and situations, including:

1. Abstraction and Impounding Licenses: Individuals or entities seeking licenses for water abstraction (taking water from water bodies) or impounding (building dams or reservoirs) must provide evidence detailing the purpose of the activity, the location of the source or structure, the estimated quantity of water to be abstracted or impounded, and the potential environmental impacts. This evidence helps regulatory agencies assess the potential consequences of the activity and make informed decisions.
2. Pollution Prevention Measures: Industries and facilities discharging pollutants into water bodies are required to provide evidence of their pollution prevention measures. This could include documentation of treatment processes, monitoring data showcasing pollutant levels, and evidence of compliance with emission standards. This evidence ensures that the discharged water meets specified quality standards and minimizes harm to aquatic ecosystems.
3. Water Quality Monitoring: The Act may require evidence of regular water quality monitoring, especially for industries or facilities with the potential to impact water bodies. This evidence includes records of monitoring results, sampling methods, and analysis techniques. Regular monitoring helps authorities detect pollution incidents promptly and take corrective actions.
4. Fisheries Protection Measures: Evidence of fish passes, screens, or other measures to protect fisheries and aquatic life is necessary. Documentation of the design, installation, and maintenance of these measures ensures the safe passage of fish and the preservation of aquatic biodiversity.
5. Compliance Records: Entities subject to the Act's regulations must maintain records of their activities, licenses, and compliance efforts. These records serve as evidence of adherence to legal requirements and can be inspected by regulatory agencies during audits or inspections.
6. Water Management Plans: Evidence of the development and implementation of water management plans, including strategies for water conservation and pollution prevention, is required. This evidence demonstrates a proactive approach to managing water resources sustainably.
7. Enforcement Actions: Regulatory agencies may require evidence of enforcement actions, penalties, or legal proceedings taken against individuals or entities that violate the Act. This documentation establishes a record of accountability and ensures that non-compliance is appropriately addressed.

In summary, the Water Resources Act 1991 mandates specific evidence requirements to support its objectives of water resource management, pollution prevention, and conservation. These requirements encompass a range of activities, including licensing, pollution control, fisheries protection, monitoring, compliance, and enforcement. By demanding appropriate evidence, the Act promotes transparency, responsible resource use, and the protection of aquatic ecosystems.