UK

Released	13/02/2006

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Implementation of the Water Framework Directive in the UK

The UK devolved Governments were given until December 2003 to transpose the Water Framework Directive into domestic legislation. The Environment Agency is the sole competent authority charged with the Directive's implementation in England and Wales.

To assist in the implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD):

three consultations have been carried out by Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government on the implementation of the Water Framework Directive
the UK Technical Advisory Group (UK TAG) has been established by the UK Administrations to provide agreed UK technical advice and solutions
establishment of the Common Implementation Strategy (CIS) to allow as far as possible, a coherent and harmonious implementation of the Water Framework Directive across the EU.

For further information on the transposition of the Directive, click on the link below:

Transposition of the Water Framework Directive

Implementing the Water Framework Directive in the UK

A key stage in the implementation of the Water Framework Directive was reached when the Regulations which transpose the Directive were laid before Parliament.

The Government has published:

The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations 2003, which have been made jointly with the National Assembly for Wales: the regulations cover Wales and most of England
The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (Northumbria River Basin District) Regulations 2003, which transpose the Directive in relation to the Northumbria River Basin District. Separate Regulations are provided as this District includes a small part of Scotland)
The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (Solway Tweed River Basin District) Regulations 2004 transpose the Directive in relation to the Solway Tweed river basin district which crosses England and Scotland
A map showing boundaries of nine river basin districts in England and Wales districts (820 KB) and in the Northumbria district (375 KB)
The Solway Tweed river basin district map (448 KB)
Two background reports to the Final Regulatory Impact Assessment:
- Potential costs and benefits of implementing the proposed Water Resources Framework Directive (575 KB).
- Indicative costs of agricultural measures: final report (640 KB). Study undertaken by RPA in 2003 for which a summary is also available. Indicative costs of agricultural measures: summary (50 KB)
Summary of Government response to responses to third consultation paper on Water Framework Directive/commentary on regulations (85 KB)
Press notice which announces publication

A Ministerial Statement was also made to announce transposition.

Much of the implementation work is undertaken by the Competent Authorities, which are the UK environment agencies (the Environment Agency in England and Wales; the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in Scotland; and the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland). Further information can be found on the agencies websites.

The links are:

Given the cross-border nature of many river catchments there are obvious and significant benefits to be gained from a consistent approach to implementation of the Directive in the UK. Thus Defra, the Welsh Assembly Government, the Scottish Executive and the Department of Environment, Northern Ireland supported the establishment of a UK Water Framework Directive (WFD) Technical Advisory Group (UKTAG) comprised of experts from the UK environment and conservation agencies. Experts from the Republic of Ireland are also members of UKTAG to represent the cross-border issues with Northern Ireland. Their website can be found at www.wfduk.org.

The UKTAG team are working on the development of UK guidance for implementation of the Directive, building on the work undertaken through the Common Implementation Strategy. UKTAG welcomes associate membership from all stakeholders. For further information on the work of UKTAG please contact: peter.pollard@sepa.org.uk.