Written question asked by Lord Dykes (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Henley (Conservative) on Thursday, 24 June 2010.

Water Management

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are their plans for implementing the European Union water framework directive.

Answer: The River Basin Management Plans published on 22 December 2009 set out how Her Majesty's Government will meet the requirements of the European Union water framework directive. The plans were prepared and their delivery is being overseen by the Environment Agency, although many others will be involved in the actions in the plans. These actions in River Basin Management Plans will improve over 8,300 miles of rivers in England. The number of water bodies classed as good ecological status or potential will increase from 26 per cent in 2009 to 32 per cent by 2015. The plans also contain proposals for over 8,500 investigations to be completed by the end of 2012. This will provide the necessary evidence to take further action before 2015 where practical. Examples of measures planned include: compliance with existing regulations, codes of practice and controls on the use of certain substances; England Catchment Sensitive Farming activities and agri-environment schemes; water efficiency measures; and installation of fish passes at priority sites.

Secondary information