The Government has published a detailed and updated water resources planning guideline for water companies in England and Wales – and says it is also relevant to those organisations responsible for producing regional water resource plans.
Water companies in England or Wales are required by law to prepare and maintain a water resources management plan (WRMP) at least every 5 years and review it annually. A WRMP sets out how each individual company intends to achieve a secure supply of water for its customers and a protected and enhanced environment.
In the plan the water companies must forecast their supply and demand over at least the statutory minimum period of 25 years.
The guideline covers the following specific areas:
- Section 1 – Planning for a secure, sustainable supply of water
- Section 2 – National, regional and local planning
- Section 3 – How to form and maintain a WRMP
- Section 4 – Basis of planning
- Section 5 – Developing your supply forecast
- Section 6 – Developing your demand forecast
- Section 7 – Allowing for uncertainty
- Section 8 – Identifying possible options
- Section 9 – Aspects to consider in compiling a best value plan
- Section 10 – How to compile your best value plan
- Outcome based planning
The guideline focuses on the legal requirements and technical approaches the utilities should follow to develop a WRMP to be considered in conjunction with any relevant government policy and outcome expectations.
Click here to access the Water resources planning guideline