The Water Act 2003

Once in full effect the Water Act will enforce changes in the way that water abstraction licences are administered and monitored.

• Two new forms of abstraction licence will be established.
• Most licence exemptions will be removed.
• Those using less that 20 cubic meters of water will be de-regulated. Those wishing to exceed this limit will have to apply for an Order from the Environment Agency.
• The issuing of abstraction licences without a time limit will be discontinued. (From October 2001 all new and amended licences will have time limits).