CINXE.COM

<!doctype html>   <html class="no-js" lang="en"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"> <base href="http://www.wcl.org.uk/"> <title>Blueprint for Water - Wildlife and Countryside Link</title> <meta name="description" content=""> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"> <link rel="shortcut icon" type="image/x-icon" href="/favicon.ico?v2"> <meta property="og:type" content="website" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Blueprint for Water - Wildlife and Countryside Link" /> <meta property="og:description" content="" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="Wildlife and Countryside Link"/> <meta property="og:url" content="http://www.wcl.org.uk/water.asp" /> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary" /> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@wcl_news" /> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@studiorepublic" /> <meta property="og:image" content="http://www.wcl.org.uk/assets/uploads/img//site/img/logo.svg" /> <script> (function(d) { var config = { kitId: 'clk1bls', scriptTimeout: 3000, async: true }, h=d.documentElement,t=setTimeout(function(){h.className=h.className.replace(/\bwf-loading\b/g,"")+" wf-inactive";},config.scriptTimeout),tk=d.createElement("script"),f=false,s=d.getElementsByTagName("script")[0],a;h.className+=" wf-loading";tk.src='https://use.typekit.net/'+config.kitId+'.js';tk.async=true;tk.onload=tk.onreadystatechange=function(){a=this.readyState;if(f||a&&a!="complete"&&a!="loaded")return;f=true;clearTimeout(t);try{Typekit.load(config)}catch(e){}};s.parentNode.insertBefore(tk,s) })(document); </script> <style> body,input{margin:0}.slicknav_btn,.slicknav_nav .slicknav_item{cursor:pointer}.slicknav_btn,iframe,img{vertical-align:middle}a,h1{color:#6EB02B}*,.slicknav_menu,.slicknav_menu *{box-sizing:border-box}.container:after,.row:after,.slicknav_menu:after{clear:both}html{font-family:sans-serif;-ms-text-size-adjust:100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust:100%}header,nav{display:block}a{background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none}h1{font-size:2em}img{border:0}input{color:inherit;font:inherit;line-height:normal}input[type=submit]{-webkit-appearance:button;cursor:pointer}input::-moz-focus-inner{border:0;padding:0}.bx-wrapper{position:relative;margin:0 auto 60px;padding:0}.bx-wrapper img{max-width:100%;display:block}.bx-wrapper .bx-prev{left:10px;background:url(site/css/images/controls.png) 0 -32px no-repeat}.bx-wrapper .bx-next{right:10px;background:url(site/css/images/controls.png) -43px -32px no-repeat}.bx-wrapper .bx-controls-direction a{position:absolute;top:50%;margin-top:-16px;outline:0;width:32px;height:32px;text-indent:-9999px}.slicknav_btn{position:relative;display:block;float:right;padding:.438em .625em;line-height:1.125em}.slicknav_btn .slicknav_icon-bar+.slicknav_icon-bar{margin-top:.188em}.slicknav_menu .slicknav_menutxt{display:block;line-height:1.188em;float:left}.slicknav_menu .slicknav_icon{float:left;margin:.188em 0 0 .438em}.slicknav_menu .slicknav_no-text{margin:0}.slicknav_menu .slicknav_icon-bar{display:block;width:1.125em;height:.125em;-webkit-border-radius:1px;-moz-border-radius:1px;border-radius:1px}.slicknav_menu:after,.slicknav_menu:before{content:" ";display:table}.slicknav_nav li,.slicknav_nav ul{display:block}.slicknav_nav .slicknav_arrow{font-size:.8em;margin:0 0 0 .4em}.slicknav_nav .slicknav_item a{display:inline}.slicknav_nav .slicknav_row,.slicknav_nav a{display:block}.container{padding:0 1.06383%;margin:0 auto;max-width:1200px}.container,.row{zoom:1;position:relative}.container:after,.container:before,.row:after,.row:before{content:"";display:table}.row{margin-bottom:1em}@media (min-width:700px){.columns{float:left;margin:0 0 0 2.12766%;width:6.38298%}.columns:first-child{margin-left:0}.columns.ten{width:82.97872%}.columns.offset-one{margin-left:10.6383%}.columns.offset-one:first-child{margin-left:8.51064%}}html{color:#222;font-size:1em;line-height:1.4;background-color:#E2EFEF}::-moz-selection{background:#b3d4fc;text-shadow:none}::selection{background:#b3d4fc;text-shadow:none}body{font-family:bree-serif,Georgia,serif;font-weight:300;padding-top:118px}body.home{background-image:url(site/img/sitebg.jpg);background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:center top;background-size:cover;}.slicknav_btn,header .search a{font-family:lato,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;text-decoration:none}h1,h2{font-weight:700}.wf-active .greynav a,.wf-active .slide a,.wf-active h1,.wf-active h2,.wf-active p,.wf-active ul{opacity:1}p{margin:0 0 1em}p:first-child{margin-top:1em}ul{padding-left:2em}p,ul{font-size:.85em}ul ul{list-style-type:disc;font-size:1em}h1,h2{margin:0 0 .5em}h1:first-child{margin-top:.5em}h2{font-size:1.4em}.whitebg{background-color:#fff}.home .whitebg{text-align:center}.home .section{margin-bottom:3em}img{max-width:100%;height:auto}.icon{display:inline-block;background:url(site/img/sprite.png);background:url(site/img/sprite.svg),linear-gradient(transparent,transparent);background-repeat:no-repeat;text-indent:100%;white-space:nowrap;overflow:hidden}.sidesocial .st_sharethis_large,.toplogo,.toplogo img,header .search a,nav a,nav ul ul li{display:block}.sidesocial .icon.linkedin,.sidesocial .icon.share,.sidesocial .icon.twitter{width:65px;height:65px;background-color:#ececec;display:block;-webkit-transition:all .2s ease;-moz-transition:all .2s ease;-ms-transition:all .2s ease;-o-transition:all .2s ease;transition:all .2s ease}.sidesocial .icon.linkedin{background-color:#6EB02B;background-position:-97px -35px}.sidesocial .icon.twitter{background-position:23px 26px}.sidesocial .icon.share{background-color:#ececec;background-position:-39px 23px;text-indent:0}.icon.mag{width:20px;height:20px;background-position:-270px 0}.sidesocial .st_sharethis_large{height:65px;width:65px;background:0 0}.sidesocial{position:fixed;top:160px;z-index:60;width:65px;transition:left .5s linear 1s}header{position:fixed;top:0;width:100%;background-color:#fff;z-index:50}header #searchtoggle{position:absolute;right:13px;top:10px}header .search{background-color:#6EB02B;position:absolute;top:63px;padding:20px;right:0;transition:all .5s ease;height:100px;overflow:hidden;opacity:0;visibility:hidden}header .search a{color:#fff;margin-bottom:10px}header .search input[type=submit]{position:absolute;right:0;bottom:0;border:none;background:#303030;text-transform:uppercase;color:#fff;height:31px}header .search input[type=text]{position:absolute;right:0;bottom:0;width:250px;border:none;background-color:#fff;padding:.25em 36px .25em .5em;height:31px}header .search form{position:relative;width:250px;height:34px}.greynav{background-color:#E6E6E6;text-align:right;padding:.5em 0 0;height:38px}.navbg,nav ul ul li{background-color:#6EB02B}.greynav a{color:#606060;text-decoration:none;margin-left:2em;text-transform:uppercase}.whitenav{padding:17px 0;height:80px;text-align:right;position:relative}.toplogo{float:left;width:255px;max-width:255px}nav ul{padding:0;margin:10px 35px 0 0;list-style-type:none;font-size:1em}nav ul ul{visibility:hidden;position:absolute;text-align:left;padding-top:35px;margin:0;z-index:10}nav ul ul a{color:#fff;text-transform:none;padding:.25em 1em}.slide p,nav a{text-transform:uppercase}nav li{display:inline-block;margin-bottom:0}nav a{color:#303030;text-decoration:none;padding:0 1em}.navbg{position:fixed;top:118px;width:100%;background-image:url(site/img/navbg.png);background-repeat:no-repeat;z-index:9}.slicknav_menu{display:none;font-size:16px;background:0 0;padding:20px 0 0;position:absolute;width:100%;top:0;right:0;z-index:0}.slicknav_menu *{text-align:left}.slicknav_menu .slicknav_menutxt{color:#fff;font-weight:700;text-shadow:none}.slicknav_menu .slicknav_icon-bar{background-color:#fff;-webkit-box-shadow:none;-moz-box-shadow:none;box-shadow:none}.slicknav_btn{margin:5px 20px 6px;text-shadow:none;border-radius:0;background-color:#6EB02B;font-weight:900}.slicknav_nav,.slicknav_nav ul{list-style:none;overflow:hidden;margin:0}.slicknav_nav ul,.slicknav_nav ul ul li{background-color:#fff}.slicknav_nav{clear:both;color:#303030;background:#fff;padding:0;font-size:.875em}.slicknav_nav .slicknav_arrow{float:right}.slicknav_nav ul{padding:10px}.slicknav_nav ul ul{position:relative}.slicknav_nav a{padding:5px 10px;margin:2px 0;text-decoration:none;color:#303030;font-size:1.2em}.slicknav_nav .slicknav_item a,.slicknav_nav a a{padding:0;margin:0}.slide a,.slide p{font-family:lato,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;color:#fff}.slicknav_nav a a{font-size:1em}.slide{background-size:cover}.slide p{font-size:3em;line-height:1.2;font-weight:900;margin:20% 0 0;text-shadow:1px 1px 1px rgba(0,0,0,.6)}.slide p .hashtag{text-transform:lowercase;font-size:.5em;margin:0;display:block;font-weight:300}.slide a{display:block;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:2em;width:7em;text-align:center;background-color:#6EB02B;padding:.3em;text-decoration:none;border-radius:5px;text-transform:uppercase}.home .slide{background-position:inherit}.bx-wrapper .bx-viewport{-webkit-transform:translatez(0);-moz-transform:translatez(0);-ms-transform:translatez(0);-o-transform:translatez(0);transform:translatez(0);-moz-box-shadow:none;-webkit-box-shadow:none;box-shadow:none;border:none;left:0;background:#6EB02B}.bx-wrapper .bx-controls-direction a{z-index:9}.home .bx-wrapper .bx-next,.home .bx-wrapper .bx-prev{background:url(site/img/sprite.png);background:url(site/img/sprite.svg),linear-gradient(transparent,transparent);top:auto;bottom:0}.home .bx-wrapper .bx-prev{background-position:73px 32px}.home .bx-wrapper .bx-next{background-position:35px 32px}.members .bx-wrapper img{margin:1em;display:inline-block}.memberslide .row{text-align:center;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;margin:0}.whitebg.maincontent{padding-top:3em}.bx-wrapper{margin-bottom:0}.memberlogos img{display:block;margin:0 auto}@media only screen and (max-width:1200px){.sidesocial{top:0;left:0;width:115px}.sidesocial .icon.linkedin,.sidesocial .icon.share,.sidesocial .icon.twitter{width:38px;height:38px;float:left}.sidesocial .icon.twitter{background-position:10px 13px;background-color:#fff}.sidesocial .icon.linkedin{background-position:-110px -51px}.sidesocial .icon.share{background-position:-51px 11px;background-color:#fff}.st_sharethis_large{height:38px;width:38px}.slider .slide .container{padding:0 20px}}@media only screen and (min-width:700px) and (max-width:950px){nav a{padding:0 .5em}.container{padding:0 20px}header #searchtoggle{right:20px}}@media only screen and (max-width:850px){.js nav{display:none}.js .slicknav_menu{display:block}header .search{right:20px}.icon.mag{margin-left:15px;margin-top:10px;border-right:50px solid #fff}}@media only screen and (max-width:700px){body{background-image:none}.whitebg{padding-left:1em;padding-right:1em}.container{padding-left:0;padding-right:0}header .container{padding:0 20px}.slider .slide{text-align:center}.slider .slide a{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto}}@media only screen and (max-width:500px){.slide .container{padding-left:10px;padding-right:10px}.slide p{margin-top:10%}.greynav a{margin-left:1em;display:none}.toplogo{max-width:220px;position:absolute;z-index:99}header .search{width:100%;right:0;padding:20px}} </style> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://ws.sharethis.com/button/buttons.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript">stLight.options({publisher: "9862a990-f648-4b11-bcbb-487ff0cee58a", doNotHash: false, doNotCopy: false, hashAddressBar: false, onhover:false});</script>  </head> <body class=""> <div class="sidesocial"> <a href="https://twitter.com/wcl_news" class="icon twitter" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/2533532" class="icon linkedin" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> <a class="icon share"> <span class='st_sharethis_large' data-displayText='ShareThis' data-st_via="wcl_news"></span> <span class='st__large' data-displayText='' data-st_via="wcl_news"></span> </a> </div> <header> <div class="greynav"> <div class="container"> <a href="policy-hub.asp">Policy Hub</a> <a href="link-publications.asp">Publications</a> </div> </div> <div class="whitenav"> <div class="container"> <a href="/" class="toplogo"><img src="site/img/logo.svg" onerror="this.src='site/img/logo.png';this.onerror=null;" alt="WCL logo" width="255" height="43"></a> <nav> <ul class=""><li class="first"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/" >Home</a></li><li class="parent"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/about.asp" >About</a><ul class=""><li class="first"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/what-we-do.asp" >What we do</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/link-team.asp" >Link Team</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/link-strategy.asp" >Link strategy</a></li><li class="last"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/jobs.asp" >Vacancies</a></li></ul></li><li class="parent"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/our-members.asp" >Membership</a><ul class=""><li class="first"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/benefits-of-membership.asp" >Benefits of membership</a></li><li class="last"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/how-to-become-a-member.asp" >How to become a member</a></li></ul></li><li class="parent active"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/our-work.asp" >Our work</a><ul class=""><li class="first active"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/policy-hub.asp" >Policy Hub</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/annual-debate.asp" >AGM and Annual debate</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/annual-report.asp" >Annual report</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/diversity-and-anti-racism-statement.asp" >Diversity and anti-racism statement</a></li><li class="last"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/blueprintforwater.asp" >Blueprint for Water</a></li></ul></li><li class="parent"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/campaigns.asp" >Campaigns</a><ul class=""><li class="first"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/wildlife-crime.asp" >Tackling Wildlife Crime</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/wilder-by-design.asp" >Wilder By Design </a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/chemical-cocktail-campaign.asp" >Chemical Cocktail Campaign</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/nature2030.asp" >Nature 2030 Campaign</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/greening-economy.asp" >Greening the economy </a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/blueprint-for-water-campaign.asp" >Blueprint for Water</a></li><li class="last"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/diversity-route-map.asp" >Ethnic Diversity Route Map</a></li></ul></li><li class="parent"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/news.asp" >News</a><ul class=""><li class="first"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/press-releases.asp" >Press releases</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/eagle-eye-on-the-environment.asp" >Eagle Eye on the Environment</a></li><li class="last"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/blog.asp" >Blog</a></li></ul></li><li class="last"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/contact-us.asp" >Contact Us</a></li><li><button type="button" id="searchtoggle" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="siteSearch" class="btn-reset header-search-icon header-search-toggle-js searchtoggle"><img src="site/img/search-icon.png" alt="site search"></button></li></ul> </nav> <div class="search" id="siteSearch"> <button type="button" aria-label="close site search" class="btn-reset search-close searchtoggle">X</button> <form action="search.asp" method="get"> <input type="text" name="search" title="Search the site" placeholder="Search the site"> <input type="submit" name="submit" title="Submit" value="SUBMIT" class="submit"> </form> </div> </div> <div class="navbg"></div> </div> </header> <div class="subbanner" style="background-image:url('assets/uploads/img/Banners.Photos/Blueprint/hpbanner-2.jpg');"></div> <div class="greyintro" style="background-color: ;"> <div class="container"> <div class="columns eight offset-two"> <h1 class="heading">Blueprint for Water</h1> <p>Blueprint for Water is a coalition of over 20 organisations working to restore the ecology of the UK’s rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands by seeking improvements to water policy at an England level. Read our vision report  "Actions to Recover England's Waters and Wildlife" <a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/docs/WCL_Blueprint_for_Water_Vision_Report.pdf">here</a>. </p> <div class="downarrow icon"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="whitebg section maincontent"> <div class="container"> <div class="row"> <div class="columns eight clearfix"> <h2> <p><em><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/our-rivers-need-a-change-of-course.asp"></a>Chair: Ali Morse, The Wildlife Trusts<br>Vice Chair: Tessa Wardley, The Rivers Trust, and Emily Smith, Angling Trust</em><em><br></em><em>Link: Ellie Ward, Senior Policy Officer</em></p><em></em> </h2> <h4>Update from the group:</h4> <p>Link’s Blueprint for Water Group works on freshwater policy issues and current work prioritises environmental resilience, sustainable abstraction, water quality and agricultural pollution (through joint work with Link’s Agriculture group).<br></p> <p>In January 2025, Blueprint members have advocated for an amendment in the Water (Special Measures) Bill to secure the future of the Water Restoration Fund in legislation. We <a href="https://wcl.org.uk/docs/WCL_Letter_Water_Restoration_Fund_Jan_2025.pdf">wrote to Steve Reed</a> to express concerns over the Fund's future. Blueprint members also responded to a number of consultations and inquiries, including on <a href="https://wcl.org.uk/docs/WCL_Response_National_Drought_Management_Consultation_Jan_2025.pdf">national drought management</a>, <a href="https://wcl.org.uk/docs/WCL_Company_Drought_Plan_Guidance_Response_Jan_2025.pdf">guidance for company drought management plans</a>, <a href="https://wcl.org.uk/docs/WCL_SO_Info_Guidance_Consultation_Jan_2025.pdf">Defra's storm overflows guidance</a>, the <a href="https://wcl.org.uk/docs/WCL_SOAF_Consultation_Jan_2025.pdf">Storm Overflows Assessment Framework</a> (SOAF), and <a href="https://wcl.org.uk/docs/WCL_Spill_Frequency_Threshold_Permitting_Jan_2025.pdf">spill frequency threshold permitting</a>. </p> <p>In November 2024, Blueprint members <a href="https://wcl.org.uk/docs/WCL_Response_Ofwat_Remuneration_Governance_Nov_2024.pdf">responded to </a>Ofwat's proposals for remuneration and governance rules under the Water (Special Measures Bill). We welcome the proposals, but argue that environmental issues and outcomes are not yet adequately reflected in the rules. Performance related pay should be dependent on water company delivery of statutory obligations to customers, communities and the environment, <em>and</em> stretching performance. Blueprint members <a href="https://wcl.org.uk/docs/WCL_Response_FRfW_Statutory_Guidance_Review_Nov_2024.pdf">also contributed to</a> the review of the Farming Rules for Water Statutory Guidance, in particular that as currently written, the Guidance contradicts and may even encourage breaches of the Regulation. The Statutory Guidance must be amended. </p> <p>In October, Blueprint members <a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/docs/Link_Letter_Water_Commission_Oct_2024.pdf">wrote to Sir Jon Cunliffe</a> to set out priority areas that we hope the Water Commission will consider, in order to deliver the transformational change that our waters so desperately need. Comprehensive, cross-sectoral solutions to restore water systems at catchment scale are required. Therefore, it is essential that the Commission considers the full range of pressures on our freshwaters, including the water industry, agriculture, chemicals, transport, housing and infrastructure development. </p> <p>In September 2024, we published our Blueprint for Water scorecard for PR24, '<a href="https://wcl.org.uk/docs/WCL_Blueprint_PR24_Scorecard_Sept_2024.pdf">Achieving Environmental Ambitions</a>', assessing the environmental proposals set out in water companies’ business plans against the ambitions we set out in our ‘<a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/docs/assets/uploads/WCL_Blueprint_for_Water_PR24_Environmental_Manifesto_September_2021.pdf">Environmental Manifesto for the Price Review</a>’. There is significant investment planned through the Price Review, and this is necessary and welcome, but spend is not the same as environmental outcomes. Our analysis explores areas where the industry has demonstrated reasonable ambition, areas where ambition is lacking, and areas where it is hard to judge environmental commitment. We outline several areas for companies and regulators to take action to improve the environmental impact of this investment ahead of Final Determination, and looking towards PR29 - this includes through greater focus on environmental outcomes, and through greater use of nature-based solutions. </p> <p>In August 2024, Blueprint <a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/docs/WCL_Blueprint_Letter_Ofwat_Penalties_Aug_2024.pdf">wrote to the Prime Minister</a> to call for penalties imposed by Ofwat to be ring fenced for environmental improvement. This follows an announcement that Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, and Northumbrian Water will be fined £168 million due to ongoing illegal discharges of sewage. This money should be ring fenced for nature's recovery. Blueprint for Water <a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/docs/WCL_Blueprint_PR24_Draft_Determination_Response_August_2024.pdf">also shared views</a> on Ofwat's draft determinations for PR24. The uplift in environmental investment in PR24 is welcome, however, Ofwat and the water industry must take further steps to ensure this delivers the maximum possible benefits for nature. Further action needed includes increasing the use of nature-based solutions, and restoring 'phased' biodiversity-critical schemes to AMP8.</p> <p>In July 2024, Blueprint <a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/docs/WCL_Blueprint_Reed_Letter_Water_2024.pdf">wrote to the</a> Secretary of State to set out three immediate opportunities for the Government to take meaningful action to address the state of our waters, and to bring us back on track to achieve the 2027 WFD target. These include adopting the recommendations of the OEP following their review of WFD, introducing a strong Green Duty for Ofwat, and commissioning a comprehensive review of the management and regulation of water. Further detail on WFD, and the action needed from Government, can be found in our new <a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/docs/WCL_Blueprint_WFD_Position_Paper_July_2024.pdf">position paper here</a>.<br></p> <p>In February 2024, Blueprint members contributed to <a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/docs/WCL_Response_PAC_Inquiry_Extreme_Weather_Resilience_Feb_2024.pdf">Link's response to</a> the Public Accounts Committee inquiry exploring resilience to extreme weather, in particular around drought and flooding. This draws on <a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/docs/WCL_Briefing_Building_Resilence_Floods_Drought_December_2023.pdf">our December 2023 briefing</a> on working with nature to build resilience to both flooding and drought, outlining the action needed to unlock barriers and increase uptake of both nature-based solutions and natural flood management.<br></p> <p>You can read Blueprint for Water's vision report here: '<a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/docs/WCL_Blueprint_for_Water_Vision_Report.pdf">Actions to Recover England's Waters and Wildlife</a>'. This sets out our vision for the freshwater environment and our ‘how to’ strategy for bringing our freshwaters back to health, before it is too late, with recommendations under three key themes - Recover Biodiversity, Drive Down Pollution, and Re-think Our Relationship With Water.<br><br></p> <p>For further information, contact <a href="mailto:eleanor@wcl.org.uk">Ellie Ward</a>, Link’s Senior Policy Officer.<br></p> <p><em>Last updated: 30 January 2025</em></p> </div> <div class="columns three offset-one"> <div class="relateddocs"> <h3>Related Documents</h3> <div class="doc"> <p>January 2025</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Spill_Frequency_Threshold_Permitting_Jan_2025.pdf" title="Link response: Spill Frequency Threshold Permitting">Link response: Spill Frequency Threshold Permitting</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>January 2025</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_SO_Info_Guidance_Consultation_Jan_2025.pdf" title="Link response: Draft information and guidance on storm overflows">Link response: Draft information and guidance on storm overflows</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>January 2025</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_SOAF_Consultation_Jan_2025.pdf" title="Link response: Storm Overflows Assessment Framework">Link response: Storm Overflows Assessment Framework</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>January 2025</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Company_Drought_Plan_Guidance_Response_Jan_2025.pdf" title="Link response: Water company drought plan guidance">Link response: Water company drought plan guidance</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>January 2025</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Response_National_Drought_Management_Consultation_Jan_2025.pdf" title=" Blueprint response: National drought management consultation"> Blueprint response: National drought management consultation</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>January 2025</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Letter_CNB_Jan_2025.pdf" title="Blueprint letter: Catchment Nutrient Balancing">Blueprint letter: Catchment Nutrient Balancing</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>January 2025</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Letter_Water_Restoration_Fund_Jan_2025.pdf" title=" Letter to Steve Reed - Water Restoration Fund"> Letter to Steve Reed - Water Restoration Fund</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>December 2024</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Bathing_Water_Regs_Review_Response_Dec_2024.pdf" title=" Blueprint response: Bathing Water Regulations Review"> Blueprint response: Bathing Water Regulations Review</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>December 2024</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Response_EPA_Review_Dec_2024.pdf" title=" Blueprint response: Environmental Performance Assessment Review"> Blueprint response: Environmental Performance Assessment Review</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>November 2024</p> <a href="/docs/assets/uploads/Ofwat_penalties_letter_reply.pdf" title="Ofwat penalties letter - reply.pdf">Ofwat penalties letter - reply.pdf</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>November 2024</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Response_FRfW_Statutory_Guidance_Review_Nov_2024.pdf" title=" Link response: Farming Rules for Water Statutory Guidance Review"> Link response: Farming Rules for Water Statutory Guidance Review</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>November 2024</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Response_Ofwat_Remuneration_Governance_Nov_2024.pdf" title=" Blueprint response: Ofwat Remuneration and Governance Rules Consultation"> Blueprint response: Ofwat Remuneration and Governance Rules Consultation</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>October 2024</p> <a href="/docs/Link_Letter_Water_Commission_Oct_2024.pdf" title=" Link letter to Sir Jon Cunliffe - Water Commission"> Link letter to Sir Jon Cunliffe - Water Commission</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>October 2024</p> <a href="/docs/Link_Briefing_Water_Commission_Oct_2024.pdf" title=" Link briefing: Immediate actions to restore the water environment"> Link briefing: Immediate actions to restore the water environment</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>October 2024</p> <a href="/docs/Link_Briefing_Water_Special_Measures_Bill_Second_Reading_Oct_2024.pdf" title=" Link briefing: Water (Special Measures) Bill Lords second reading"> Link briefing: Water (Special Measures) Bill Lords second reading</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>September 2024</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Blueprint_PR24_Scorecard_Sept_2024.pdf" title=" Blueprint for PR24 – Achieving Environmental Ambitions"> Blueprint for PR24 – Achieving Environmental Ambitions</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>August 2024</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Blueprint_PR24_Draft_Determination_Response_August_2024.pdf" title="Blueprint response: Ofwat PR24 Draft Determinations consultation">Blueprint response: Ofwat PR24 Draft Determinations consultation</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>August 2024</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Blueprint_Letter_Ofwat_Penalties_Aug_2024.pdf" title=" Blueprint letter to PM re: Ofwat penalties"> Blueprint letter to PM re: Ofwat penalties</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>July 2024 </p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Blueprint_WFD_Position_Paper_July_2024.pdf" title="Blueprint for Water WFD Position Paper">Blueprint for Water WFD Position Paper</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>July 2024</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Blueprint_Reed_Letter_Water_2024.pdf" title=" Blueprint letter to Steve Reed re: water"> Blueprint letter to Steve Reed re: water</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>June 2024</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Blueprint_Water_Efficiency_Fund_Response_June_2024.pdf" title=" Blueprint response: Ofwat Water Efficiency Fund second consultation"> Blueprint response: Ofwat Water Efficiency Fund second consultation</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>May 2024</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Blueprint_EAC_Water_Quality_Infrastructure_May_2024.pdf" title="Blueprint letter: EAC Inquiry into 'Water Quality and Water Infrastructure'">Blueprint letter: EAC Inquiry into 'Water Quality and Water Infrastructure'</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>April 2024</p> <a href="/docs/assets/uploads/April_24_Briefing_Draft_Economic_Growth_Regulatory_Functions_Amendment_Order_2024_accompanying_Statutory_Guidance.pdf" title="April 24 Briefing - Draft Economic Growth (Regulatory Functions) (Amendment) Order 2024 & accompanying Statutory Guidance .pdf">April 24 Briefing - Draft Economic Growth (Regulatory Functions) (Amendment) Order 2024 & accompanying Statutory Guidance .pdf</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>April 2024</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Briefing_Reforming_Regulation_Water_Environment_April_2024.pdf" title=" Link briefing: Reforming Regulation for the Water Environment"> Link briefing: Reforming Regulation for the Water Environment</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>March 2024</p> <a href="/docs/assets/uploads/Briefing_Draft_Economic_Growth_Regulatory_Functions_Amendment_Order_2024_accompanying_Statutory_Guidance_2.pdf" title="Briefing - Draft Economic Growth (Regulatory Functions) (Amendment) Order 2024 & accompanying Statutory Guidance.pdf">Briefing - Draft Economic Growth (Regulatory Functions) (Amendment) Order 2024 & accompanying Statutory Guidance.pdf</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>February 2024</p> <a href="/docs/assets/uploads/The_state_of_pollution_in_rivers_Briefing_note_Feb_2024_1.pdf" title="The state of pollution in rivers - Briefing note - Feb 2024.pdf">The state of pollution in rivers - Briefing note - Feb 2024.pdf</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>February 2024</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Response_PAC_Inquiry_Extreme_Weather_Resilience_Feb_2024.pdf" title=" Link response: Public Accounts Committee Inquiry into resilience to extreme weather"> Link response: Public Accounts Committee Inquiry into resilience to extreme weather</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>January 2024</p> <a href="/docs/assets/uploads/WCL_Blueprint_Response_Strengthening_Economic_Regulation_Consultation_Jan_2024.pdf" title="Blueprint response: Consultation on Strengthening Economic Regulation">Blueprint response: Consultation on Strengthening Economic Regulation</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>January 2024 </p> <a href="/docs/assets/uploads/WCL_Blueprint_Further_Views_Ofwat_Roundtable_January_2024_1.pdf" title="Blueprint response to Ofwat: Indicators of environmental improvement & improving transparency in PR24">Blueprint response to Ofwat: Indicators of environmental improvement & improving transparency in PR24</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>January 2024</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Response_Growth_Duty_Draft_Statutory_Guidance_Consultation_Jan_2024.pdf" title=" Link response: consultation on the Growth Duty Draft Statutory Guidance"> Link response: consultation on the Growth Duty Draft Statutory Guidance</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>December 2023</p> <a href="/docs/assets/uploads/WCL_Blueprint_Views_PR24_Business_Plans_December_2023.pdf" title="Link response: Views on PR24 water company business plans">Link response: Views on PR24 water company business plans</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>December 2023</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Briefing_Nature_Based_Solutions_Water_December_2023.pdf" title=" Link briefing: Working with nature to restore the water environment"> Link briefing: Working with nature to restore the water environment</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>December 2023</p> <a href="/docs/assets/uploads/WCL_Letter_PR24_Business_Plans_December_2023.pdf" title="Blueprint letter: PR24 Business Plans">Blueprint letter: PR24 Business Plans</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>December 2023</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Briefing_Building_Resilence_Floods_Drought_December_2023.pdf" title="Link briefing: Working with nature to build resilience to flooding and drought">Link briefing: Working with nature to build resilience to flooding and drought</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>December 2023</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Blueprint_Response_UK_Regulators_Inquiry_December_2023.pdf" title=" Link response: Industry & Regulators Committee Inquiry into UK Regulators"> Link response: Industry & Regulators Committee Inquiry into UK Regulators</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>November 2023</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Response_Wet_Wipes_Consultation_November_2023.pdf" title="Link response: Consultation on banning wet wipes containing plastic">Link response: Consultation on banning wet wipes containing plastic</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>November 2023</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Blueprint_Response_PAC_Inquiry_Work_of_Ofwat_14_11_2023.pdf" title=" Blueprint response: Public Accounts Committee Inquiry into the 'Work of Ofwat'"> Blueprint response: Public Accounts Committee Inquiry into the 'Work of Ofwat'</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>October 2023</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Blueprint_Response_Extending_Civil_Sanction_VMP_Powers_October_2023.pdf" title=" Blueprint response: Consultation on extending civil sanction VMP powers"> Blueprint response: Consultation on extending civil sanction VMP powers</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>September 2023</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Response_Scoping_Water_Efficiency_Fund_Consultation_September_2023.pdf" title="Blueprint response: Consultation on Scoping the Water Efficiency Fund">Blueprint response: Consultation on Scoping the Water Efficiency Fund</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>August 2023</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Response_Growth_Duty_Extension_Consultation_17_08_2023.pdf" title=" Link response: consultation on extending the Growth Duty to Ofwat, Ofgem and Ofcom"> Link response: consultation on extending the Growth Duty to Ofwat, Ofgem and Ofcom</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>August 2023</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Letter_Secretary_of_State_PR24_Ambition_10_08_2023.pdf" title=" Link letter to Secretary of State: PR24 Ambition"> Link letter to Secretary of State: PR24 Ambition</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>August 2023</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Evidence_OEP_Improving_Nature_Delivery_08_08_2023.pdf" title="Link response: OEP Call for Evidence on Improving Nature Delivery">Link response: OEP Call for Evidence on Improving Nature Delivery</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>July 2023</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Response_Storm_Overflows_Discharge_Reduction_Plan_Consultation_July_2023.pdf" title=" Link response: Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan consultation"> Link response: Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan consultation</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>May 2023 </p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Blueprint_Ofwat_Letter_Transformational_Price_Review_31_05_2023.pdf" title=" Blueprint letter to Ofwat: Promoting a transformational Price Review"> Blueprint letter to Ofwat: Promoting a transformational Price Review</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>May 2023</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Blueprint_Response_Continuous_Water_Quality_Monitoring_and_EDM_Consultation_May_2023.pdf" title=" Blueprint response: Consultation on continuous water quality monitoring"> Blueprint response: Consultation on continuous water quality monitoring</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>May 2023</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Blueprint_response_Storm_Overflows_Performance_Commitment_Consultation_May_2023.pdf" title=" Blueprint response: Consultation on PR24 storm overflows performance commitment"> Blueprint response: Consultation on PR24 storm overflows performance commitment</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>May 2023</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Blueprint_Response_Consultation_Strengthening_Environmental_Civil_Sanctions_May_2023.pdf" title=" Blueprint response: Consultation on strengthening environmental civil sanctions"> Blueprint response: Consultation on strengthening environmental civil sanctions</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>May 2023</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Blueprint_Response_Ofwat_Performance_Related_Pay_Consultation_May_2023.pdf" title="Blueprint response: Protecting customer interest on performance related executive pay">Blueprint response: Protecting customer interest on performance related executive pay</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>May 2023</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Blueprint_response_Ofwat_Accelerated_infrastructure_delivery_project_draft_decisions_May_2023.pdf" title=" Blueprint response: Ofwat Accelerated Infrastructure Delivery Project Draft Decisions"> Blueprint response: Ofwat Accelerated Infrastructure Delivery Project Draft Decisions</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>April 2023</p> <a href="/docs/WCWR_Blueprint_for_Water_Response_to_Draft_Regional_Plan_24_04_2023.pdf" title="Blueprint response: WCWR Draft Regional Plan">Blueprint response: WCWR Draft Regional Plan</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>February 2023</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Blueprint_Response_Regional_Plans_Feb_2023.pdf" title=" Blueprint response: Regional Water Resources Plans"> Blueprint response: Regional Water Resources Plans</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>January 2023</p> <a href="/docs/Blueprint_for_Water_Response_Ofwat_H2Open_Data_Review_20_01_2023.pdf" title="Blueprint response: Ofwat H2Open Data Review">Blueprint response: Ofwat H2Open Data Review</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>November 2022</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Response_UK_Mandatory_Water_Efficiency_Labelling_23_11_2022.pdf" title="Blueprint response: UK Mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling consultation">Blueprint response: UK Mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling consultation</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>November 2022</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Blueprint_for_Water_Discharge_Permit_Compliance_PC_Response_11_11_2022.pdf" title=" Blueprint response: Consultation on serious pollution incidents and discharge permit compliance common performance commitments"> Blueprint response: Consultation on serious pollution incidents and discharge permit compliance common performance commitments</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>October 2022</p> <a href="/docs/assets/uploads/Blueprint_NDG_letter_October_2022.pdf" title="Blueprint letter: long-term actions for tackling drought">Blueprint letter: long-term actions for tackling drought</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>September 2022</p> <a href="/docs/assets/uploads/Ofwat_Ringfence_consultation_Blueprint_response_29.09.22.pdf" title="Ofwat Ringfence consultation - Blueprint response ">Ofwat Ringfence consultation - Blueprint response </a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>September 2022</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_PR24 and Beyond_Appendix_Response_16_09_2022.pdf" title="Blueprint response: PR24 draft methodology consultation appendix">Blueprint response: PR24 draft methodology consultation appendix</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>September 2022</p> <a href="/docs/assets/uploads/Blueprint_Call_for_Evidence_Water_Efficiency_Letter_09_09_2022.pdf" title="Blueprint response: Future Homes Hub water efficiency call for evidence">Blueprint response: Future Homes Hub water efficiency call for evidence</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>September 2022</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_PR24_Methodology_Consultation_Response_08_09_2022.pdf" title="Blueprint response: PR24 draft methodology consultation">Blueprint response: PR24 draft methodology consultation</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>August 2022</p> <a href="/docs/assets/uploads/WCL_Water_Level_River_Flow_2022_Briefing_August_2022.pdf" title="WCL Briefing - Water Level River Flow 2022 ">WCL Briefing - Water Level River Flow 2022 </a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>June 2022</p> <a href="/docs/Blueprint_for_Water_Ofwat_Inquiry_Response_24_06_2022.pdf" title=" Blueprint response: Industry and Regulators Committee inquiry into Ofwat"> Blueprint response: Industry and Regulators Committee inquiry into Ofwat</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>May 2022</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Statement_on_Voluntary_Enforcement_Undertakings_and_the_Sewage_Investigation_31_05_2022.pdf" title=" Blueprint for Water Position Statement on Voluntary Enforcement Undertakings and the Sewage Investigation"> Blueprint for Water Position Statement on Voluntary Enforcement Undertakings and the Sewage Investigation</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>May 2022</p> <a href="/docs/Blueprint_for_Water_SODRP_Consultation_Response_12_05_2022.pdf" title="Blueprint response: draft Storm Overflow Discharge Reduction Plan consultation">Blueprint response: draft Storm Overflow Discharge Reduction Plan consultation</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>April 2022 </p> <a href="/docs/Blueprint_for_Water_RBMP_Consultation_Response_22_04_2022.pdf" title="Blueprint response: draft River Basin Management Plans consultation">Blueprint response: draft River Basin Management Plans consultation</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>January 2022</p> <a href="/docs/Blueprint_for_Water_Draft_FRMP_consultation_response_21_01_2022.pdf" title="Blueprint response: Consultation on draft Flood Risk Management Plans 2021-2027">Blueprint response: Consultation on draft Flood Risk Management Plans 2021-2027</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>January 2022</p> <a href="/docs/Blueprint_for_Water_Consultation_Response_PR24_and_beyond_Performance_commitments_for_future_price_reviews_13_01_2022.pdf" title=" Blueprint response: Consultation on performance commitments for future price reviews"> Blueprint response: Consultation on performance commitments for future price reviews</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>December 2021</p> <a href="/docs/Blueprint_for_Water_Consultation_Response_Amendments_to_Environmental_Permitting_Regulations_Groundwater_and_related_Surface_Water_Discharge_Activities_22_12_2021.pdf" title=" Blueprint response: Consultation on amendments to Environmental Permitting Regulations"> Blueprint response: Consultation on amendments to Environmental Permitting Regulations</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>December 2021</p> <a href="/docs/Blueprint_for_Water_Consultation_Response_Changes_to _the _regulatory_framework_for_abstraction_and_impounding_licensing_in_England_22_12_2021.pdf" title=" Blueprint response: Consultation on changes to the regulatory framework for abstraction and impounding licensing"> Blueprint response: Consultation on changes to the regulatory framework for abstraction and impounding licensing</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>November 2021</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Blueprint_Response_Environment_Agency_Water_Resources_Charges_November_2021.pdf" title=" Link response: Environment Agency Water Resources Charges Consultation"> Link response: Environment Agency Water Resources Charges Consultation</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>October 2021</p> <a href="/docs/assets/uploads/Strategic_Policy_Statement_Ofwat_Blueprint_response_October_2021.pdf" title=" Link response: Consultation on Government’s Strategic Policy Statement for Ofwat"> Link response: Consultation on Government’s Strategic Policy Statement for Ofwat</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>September 2021</p> <a href="/docs/WISER Review_Blueprint response_September 2021.pdf" title="Link response: Consultation on the draft revised Water Industry Strategic Environment Requirements (WISER)">Link response: Consultation on the draft revised Water Industry Strategic Environment Requirements (WISER)</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>September 2021</p> <a href="/docs/WINEP Review_Blueprint response_September 2021.pdf" title="Link response: Review of the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP)">Link response: Review of the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP)</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>September 2021</p> <a href="/docs/assets/uploads/WCL_Blueprint_for_Water_PR24_Environmental_Manifesto_September_2021.pdf" title="Blueprint for Water - PR24 Environmental Manifesto">Blueprint for Water - PR24 Environmental Manifesto</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>September 2021</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Blueprint_for_Water_Vision_Report.pdf" title="Blueprint for Water Vision Report - Actions to Recover England's Waters and Wildlife">Blueprint for Water Vision Report - Actions to Recover England's Waters and Wildlife</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>September 2021</p> <a href="/docs/Waterwise UK Water Efficiency Strategy Consultation_Blueprint Response_Sept 2021.pdf" title="UK Water Efficiency Strategy Consultation: Blueprint Response - September 2021">UK Water Efficiency Strategy Consultation: Blueprint Response - September 2021</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>July 2021</p> <a href="/docs/assets/uploads/WCL_PR24_and_Beyond_Creating_Tomorrow_Together_Response_22_07_2021.pdf" title="Link response: Ofwat 'PR24 and Beyond: Creating tomorrow, together' ">Link response: Ofwat 'PR24 and Beyond: Creating tomorrow, together' </a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>July 2021</p> <a href="/docs/Blueprint for Water Asks for Regional Plans_Final_20_07_2021.pdf" title="Blueprint for Water Asks for Regional Plans - July 2021">Blueprint for Water Asks for Regional Plans - July 2021</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>May 2021</p> <a href="/docs/Wildlife and Countryside Link_Blueprint for Water_RBMP SEA Decision Response_14_05_2021.pdf" title=" Blueprint response: Environment Agency consultation 'River basin management plans: use of strategic environmental assessment screening'"> Blueprint response: Environment Agency consultation 'River basin management plans: use of strategic environmental assessment screening'</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>March 2021</p> <a href="/docs/assets/uploads/Blueprint_Response_Flooding_Call_for_Evidence_29.03.21.pdf" title="Blueprint response: Defra Call for Evidence 'Local factors in managing flood and coastal erosion risk and property flood resilience'">Blueprint response: Defra Call for Evidence 'Local factors in managing flood and coastal erosion risk and property flood resilience'</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>March 2021</p> <a href="/docs/assets/uploads/WCL_Response_EA_Consultation_Updating_the_determination_of_water_stressed_areas_in_England_10_03_2021.pdf" title="Link response: Environment Agency consultation 'Updating the determination of water stressed areas in England'">Link response: Environment Agency consultation 'Updating the determination of water stressed areas in England'</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>February 2021</p> <a href="/docs/assets/uploads/WCL_EAC_Inquiry_Water_Quality_in_Rivers_Response_12_02_2021.pdf" title="Link response: EAC Inquiry into Water Quality in Rivers">Link response: EAC Inquiry into Water Quality in Rivers</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>January 2021</p> <a href="/docs/assets/uploads/WCL_Farming_Rules_for_Water_Regulatory_Review_Response_25_01_21.pdf" title="Link response: Farming Rules for Water Regulatory Review">Link response: Farming Rules for Water Regulatory Review</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>January 2021</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Sewage (Inland Waters) Bill Briefing.pdf" title="Link Briefing: Sewage (Inland Waters) Bill">Link Briefing: Sewage (Inland Waters) Bill</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>August 2020</p> <a href="/docs/James_Bevan_letter_20_August.pdf" title="Blueprint letter to James Bevan - WFD">Blueprint letter to James Bevan - WFD</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>July 2020</p> <a href="/docs/Naturally Resilient_Final_Report.pdf" title="Naturally Resilient Report">Naturally Resilient Report</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>June 2020</p> <a href="/docs/Changing_Course_Blueprint_25YEP.pdf" title="Changing Course: a resilient future for water through the 25YEP">Changing Course: a resilient future for water through the 25YEP</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>May 2020</p> <a href="/docs/Blueprint for Water submission to the CMA on Water Company Re-determinations.pdf" title="Submission to the CMA on water company price redeterminationss">Submission to the CMA on water company price redeterminationss</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>April 2020</p> <a href="/docs/Challenges and Choices - Detailed submission .pdf" title="Challenges & Choices - Detailed submission ">Challenges & Choices - Detailed submission </a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>December 2019 </p> <a href="/docs/assets/uploads/Challenges_Choices_Final_December_submission.pdf" title="Challenges & Choices - High-level submission ">Challenges & Choices - High-level submission </a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>October 2019 </p> <a href="/docs/Blueprint response Defra-PCC-Consultation.pdf" title="Blueprint response to Defra personal water consumption consultation">Blueprint response to Defra personal water consumption consultation</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>June 2019 </p> <a href="/docs/CCG Letter from Blueprint Chair.pdf" title="Letter to CCG Chairs from Blueprint Chair">Letter to CCG Chairs from Blueprint Chair</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>March 2019 </p> <a href="/docs/Blueprint response to Defra consultation on Improving our Management of Water in the Environment.pdf" title="Blueprint response to Defra consultation on Improving our Management of Water in the Environment">Blueprint response to Defra consultation on Improving our Management of Water in the Environment</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>January 2019</p> <a href="/docs/BLUEPRINT_ENVIRONMENTAL_ASSESSMENT_PR19_SCORECARD.pdf" title="Blueprint PR19 Environmental Assessment Scorecards">Blueprint PR19 Environmental Assessment Scorecards</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>January 2019</p> <a href="/docs/NPS_Water_Resources_Response.pdf" title="NPS Water Resources consultation response">NPS Water Resources consultation response</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>September 2018</p> <a href="/docs/Shared_Principles_10_September_2018.pdf" title="Shared Principles between water companies and environmental NGOs">Shared Principles between water companies and environmental NGOs</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>May 2018</p> <a href="/docs/Draft Water Resource Management Plans Analysis - May 2018.pdf" title="Draft Water Resource Management Plans Analysis - May 2018">Draft Water Resource Management Plans Analysis - May 2018</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>February 2018</p> <a href="/docs/BP_Rationalising_Main_Rivers_EA_February2018.pdf" title="Rationalising the Main River Network Response">Rationalising the Main River Network Response</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>January 2018</p> <a href="/docs/EA_Strategic_Review_Charges_January2018.pdf" title="Response to EA Strategic Review of Charges">Response to EA Strategic Review of Charges</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>January 2018</p> <a href="/docs/Link_Nitrates_EAC_Jan18final.pdf" title="Response to the EAC Nitrates Inquiry">Response to the EAC Nitrates Inquiry</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>January 2018</p> <a href="/docs/Link_NIC_CONGESTION_CARBON_CAPACITY_January18.pdf" title="Response to National Infrastructure Commission: Congestion, Carbon, Capacity">Response to National Infrastructure Commission: Congestion, Carbon, Capacity</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>December 2017</p> <a href="/docs/NPS_Water_Resources_Blueprint_response_Dec17.pdf" title="Response to National Policy Statement for Water Resources">Response to National Policy Statement for Water Resources</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>October 2017</p> <a href="/docs/REACH_Link_Final_October2017.pdf" title="Response to Committee Inquiry on Chemicals Regulation post Brexit">Response to Committee Inquiry on Chemicals Regulation post Brexit</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>October 2017</p> <a href="/docs/Link_EAC_Disposable_Packaging_Inquiry_September2017.pdf" title="Link Disposable Packaging Submission">Link Disposable Packaging Submission</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>September 2017</p> <a href="/docs/Wastewater_Blueprint_briefing_Sep2017.pdf" title="Briefing on Long-term Wastewater Plans">Briefing on Long-term Wastewater Plans</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>August 2017</p> <a href="/docs/Blueprint_Ofwat_PR19_Methodology_August2017.pdf" title="Blueprint response to Ofwat PR19 methodology">Blueprint response to Ofwat PR19 methodology</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>July 2017</p> <a href="/assets/uploads/img/assets/uploads/Link_NIC_environment_climate_change_response_July2017_1.pdf" title="Link response to National Infrastructure Commission environment paper">Link response to National Infrastructure Commission environment paper</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>May 2017</p> <a href="/docs/Blueprint for PR19 Summary.pdf" title="Blueprint for PR19 key priorities">Blueprint for PR19 key priorities</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>May 2017</p> <a href="/assets/uploads/img/assets/uploads/Blueprint_for_PR19_Environmenta_Manifesto_April_2017.pdf" title="Blueprint for PR19 Environmental Manifesto">Blueprint for PR19 Environmental Manifesto</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>April 2017</p> <a href="/docs/WCL_Response_UK_NIP_SC_POPs_13.04.17.pdf" title="Response to the UK's National Implementation Plan for the Stockholm Convention on POPs">Response to the UK's National Implementation Plan for the Stockholm Convention on POPs</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>April 2017</p> <a href="/docs/Blueprint for Water - Defra SPS response 11.04.17.pdf" title="Blueprint response to the Government's strategic priorities and objectives for Ofwat">Blueprint response to the Government's strategic priorities and objectives for Ofwat</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>February 2017</p> <a href="/docs/NIA_response_Blueprint_10.02.17.pdf" title="National Infrastructure Assessment Call for Evidence">National Infrastructure Assessment Call for Evidence</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>January 2017</p> <a href="/docs/Blueprint_Ofwat_Outcomes_Framework_Jan17.pdf" title="Response to Ofwat Outcomes for PR19 Framework consultation">Response to Ofwat Outcomes for PR19 Framework consultation</a> </div> <div class="doc"> <p>January 2017</p> <a href="/docs/Blueprint_REACH_response_EAC_200117.pdf" title="Blueprint response to EAC chemicals regulations inquiry">Blueprint response to EAC chemicals regulations inquiry</a> </div> </div> <div class="inthissection"> <p>Also in the policy hub:</p> <ul class=""><li class="first active"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/policy-hub.asp" >Policy Hub</a><ul class=""><li class="first"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/education-and-learning.asp" >Education and Learning</a><ul class=""><li class="first"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/access-to-nature-in-education-stakeholder-survey.asp" >Access to nature in education: stakeholder survey</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/nature-policy.asp" >Nature Policy</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/nature-wellbeing.asp" >Nature & Wellbeing</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/farming.asp" >Agriculture</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/chemicals-taskforce.asp" >Chemicals Taskforce</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/animal-welfare.asp" >Animal Welfare</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/equality-diversity-and-inclusion.asp" >Equality, Diversity and Inclusion</a></li><li class="active"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/water.asp" >Blueprint for Water</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/bovine-tb.asp" >Bovine TB</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/trees-and-woodlands.asp" >Trees and Woodlands</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/brexit-nature-coalition.asp" >Brexit Nature Coalition</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/convention-on-biological-diversity.asp" >Convention on Biological Diversity</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/circulareconomy.asp" >Circular Economy</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/invasive.asp" >Invasive Non-Native Species</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/landuseplanning.asp" >Land Use Planning</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/legal.asp" >Legal Strategy</a><ul class=""><li class="first"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/environmentalrightsbill.asp" >The Environmental Rights Bill</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/marine.asp" >Marine</a><ul class=""><li class="first"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/reducing-harms-from-oil-and-gas-activities.asp" >Reducing harms from oil and gas activities</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/marine-mammals.asp" >Marine Mammals</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/wildlife.asp" >Wildlife Crime</a></li><li class="last"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/local-nature-recovery.asp" >Local Nature Recovery Strategies</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/annual-debate.asp" >AGM and Annual debate</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/annual-report.asp" >Annual report</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/diversity-and-anti-racism-statement.asp" >Diversity and anti-racism statement</a></li><li class="last"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/blueprintforwater.asp" >Blueprint for Water</a><ul class=""><li class="first"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/use-water-wisely.asp" >Use Water Wisely</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/protect-and-restore-wildlife.asp" >Protect & restore wildlife</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/manage-floods.asp" >Manage floods</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/stop-pollution.asp" >Stop pollution</a></li><li class="last"><a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/join-up-water-management.asp" >Join up water management</a></li></ul></li></ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <footer> <div class="footertop"> <div id="subForm" class="signup container"> <div class="columns three offset-three fields"> <label for="email" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Join our email list to be the first to hear about our latest news and campaigns.</label> <p style="font-size:10px;text-align:left;">We respect your privacy and we will treat your details with the utmost care. You can unsubscribe at any time.<br/> Further details on how we use your information can be found <a href="privacy-policy.asp" style="color:#6EB02B;">here</a>. </p> </div> <div class="columns three fields">  <link href="//cdn-images.mailchimp.com/embedcode/classic-10_7.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"> <div id="mc_embed_signup"> <form action="https://wcl.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=0b77125a87de59cee34365929&id=d194246792" method="post" id="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" name="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" class="validate" target="_blank" novalidate> <div id="mc_embed_signup_scroll"> <div class="mc-field-group"> <label for="mce-MMERGE1">Are you a member of WCL? <span class="asterisk">*</span></label> <select name="MMERGE1" class="required" id="mce-MMERGE1"> <option value=""></option> <option value="Yes">Yes</option> <option value="No">No</option> </select> </div> <div class="mc-field-group input-group"> <ul> <li><input type="checkbox" value="1" name="group[379574][1]" id="mce-group[379574]-379574-0"><label for="mce-group[379574]-379574-0">I agree to be emailed</label></li> <li><input type="checkbox" value="2" name="group[379574][2]" id="mce-group[379574]-379574-1"><label for="mce-group[379574]-379574-1">I agree to have my email activity tracked</label></li> </ul> </div> <div class="mc-field-group"> <label for="mce-EMAIL">Email Address <span class="asterisk">*</span> </label> <input type="email" value="" name="EMAIL" class="required email" id="mce-EMAIL"> <input type="submit" value="Subscribe" name="subscribe" id="mc-embedded-subscribe" class="button"> </div> <div id="mce-responses" class="clear"> <div class="response" id="mce-error-response" style="display:none"></div> <div class="response" id="mce-success-response" style="display:none"></div> </div>  <div style="position: absolute; left: -5000px;" aria-hidden="true"> <input type="text" name="b_0b77125a87de59cee34365929_d194246792" tabindex="-1" value=""> </div> </div> </form> </div> <script type='text/javascript' src='//s3.amazonaws.com/downloads.mailchimp.com/js/mc-validate.js'></script> <script type='text/javascript'>(function ($) { window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array(); fnames[0] = 'EMAIL'; ftypes[0] = 'email'; fnames[1] = 'MMERGE1'; ftypes[1] = 'dropdown'; }(jQuery)); var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true);</script>  </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://js.createsend1.com/javascript/copypastesubscribeformlogic.js"></script> </div> <div class="footerbottom"> <div class="container"> <div class="row"> <div class="columns nine"> <img src="site/img/logo-white.svg" onerror="this.src='site/img/logo-white.png';this.onerror=null;" alt="WCL logo" width="255" height="42"> </div> <div class="columns three extralinks"> <p> <a href="policy-hub.asp">Policy Hub</a> <a href="link-publications.asp">Publications</a> <a href="privacy-policy.asp">Privacy Policy</a> </p> </div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="columns three"> <p>N101C Vox Studios<br>1 – 45 Durham Street<br>Vauxhall<br>London<br>SE11 5JH</p> </div> <div class="columns three"> <p>Telephone: <a href="tel:0203 855 4265">0203 855 4265</a><br> Email: <a href="mailto:enquiry@wcl.org.uk">enquiry@wcl.org.uk</a><br> Media enquiries: <a href="mailto:media@wcl.org.uk">media@wcl.org.uk</a></p> </div> <div class="columns six footer-social-icons"> <a href="https://twitter.com/wcl_news" class="icon twitterfooter" target="_blank">Wildlife and Countryside Link's Twitter account</a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/2533532" class="icon linkedinfooter" target="_blank">Wildlife and Countryside Link's LinkedIn account</a> <a class="footer-social-icon" href="https://www.instagram.com/wcl_news/" target="_blank"> <svg aria-labelledby="wcl-instagram-title" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 448 512"><title id="wcl-instagram-title">Wildlife and Countryside Link's Instagram account</title><path d="M224.1 141c-63.6 0-114.9 51.3-114.9 114.9s51.3 114.9 114.9 114.9S339 319.5 339 255.9 287.7 141 224.1 141zm0 189.6c-41.1 0-74.7-33.5-74.7-74.7s33.5-74.7 74.7-74.7 74.7 33.5 74.7 74.7-33.6 74.7-74.7 74.7zm146.4-194.3c0 14.9-12 26.8-26.8 26.8-14.9 0-26.8-12-26.8-26.8s12-26.8 26.8-26.8 26.8 12 26.8 26.8zm76.1 27.2c-1.7-35.9-9.9-67.7-36.2-93.9-26.2-26.2-58-34.4-93.9-36.2-37-2.1-147.9-2.1-184.9 0-35.8 1.7-67.6 9.9-93.9 36.1s-34.4 58-36.2 93.9c-2.1 37-2.1 147.9 0 184.9 1.7 35.9 9.9 67.7 36.2 93.9s58 34.4 93.9 36.2c37 2.1 147.9 2.1 184.9 0 35.9-1.7 67.7-9.9 93.9-36.2 26.2-26.2 34.4-58 36.2-93.9 2.1-37 2.1-147.8 0-184.8zM398.8 388c-7.8 19.6-22.9 34.7-42.6 42.6-29.5 11.7-99.5 9-132.1 9s-102.7 2.6-132.1-9c-19.6-7.8-34.7-22.9-42.6-42.6-11.7-29.5-9-99.5-9-132.1s-2.6-102.7 9-132.1c7.8-19.6 22.9-34.7 42.6-42.6 29.5-11.7 99.5-9 132.1-9s102.7-2.6 132.1 9c19.6 7.8 34.7 22.9 42.6 42.6 11.7 29.5 9 99.5 9 132.1s2.7 102.7-9 132.1z"/></svg> </a> <a class="footer-social-icon" href="https://www.threads.net/@wcl_news" target="_blank"> <svg aria-labelledby="wcl-threads-title" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 448 512"><title id="wcl-instagram-title">Wildlife and Countryside Link's Threads account</title><path d="M331.5 235.7c2.2 .9 4.2 1.9 6.3 2.8c29.2 14.1 50.6 35.2 61.8 61.4c15.7 36.5 17.2 95.8-30.3 143.2c-36.2 36.2-80.3 52.5-142.6 53h-.3c-70.2-.5-124.1-24.1-160.4-70.2c-32.3-41-48.9-98.1-49.5-169.6V256v-.2C17 184.3 33.6 127.2 65.9 86.2C102.2 40.1 156.2 16.5 226.4 16h.3c70.3 .5 124.9 24 162.3 69.9c18.4 22.7 32 50 40.6 81.7l-40.4 10.8c-7.1-25.8-17.8-47.8-32.2-65.4c-29.2-35.8-73-54.2-130.5-54.6c-57 .5-100.1 18.8-128.2 54.4C72.1 146.1 58.5 194.3 58 256c.5 61.7 14.1 109.9 40.3 143.3c28 35.6 71.2 53.9 128.2 54.4c51.4-.4 85.4-12.6 113.7-40.9c32.3-32.2 31.7-71.8 21.4-95.9c-6.1-14.2-17.1-26-31.9-34.9c-3.7 26.9-11.8 48.3-24.7 64.8c-17.1 21.8-41.4 33.6-72.7 35.3c-23.6 1.3-46.3-4.4-63.9-16c-20.8-13.8-33-34.8-34.3-59.3c-2.5-48.3 35.7-83 95.2-86.4c21.1-1.2 40.9-.3 59.2 2.8c-2.4-14.8-7.3-26.6-14.6-35.2c-10-11.7-25.6-17.7-46.2-17.8H227c-16.6 0-39 4.6-53.3 26.3l-34.4-23.6c19.2-29.1 50.3-45.1 87.8-45.1h.8c62.6 .4 99.9 39.5 103.7 107.7l-.2 .2zm-156 68.8c1.3 25.1 28.4 36.8 54.6 35.3c25.6-1.4 54.6-11.4 59.5-73.2c-13.2-2.9-27.8-4.4-43.4-4.4c-4.8 0-9.6 .1-14.4 .4c-42.9 2.4-57.2 23.2-56.2 41.8l-.1 .1z"/></svg> </a> </div> </div> <div class="signoff"> <p> <a href="sitemap.asp">Site map</a> <span>© Copyright 2020 Wildlife and Countryside Link. All Rights Reserved</span> </p> <p class="credits"> Many thanks to all our partners, members and photographers for the images across the site.<br> Image credits: © www.northeastwildlife.co.uk<br> © Copyright 2008 Wildlife and Countryside Link. All Rights Reserved<br> Wildlife and Countryside Link is a registered charity number 1107460 and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales number 3889519 </p> <p class="credits"> <a href="https://www.studiorepublic.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Website by Studio Republic</a> </p> </div> </div> </div> </footer> <link property="stylesheet" rel="stylesheet" href="site/css/main.css?v5"> <script src="//ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/1.11.2/jquery.min.js"></script> <script>window.jQuery || document.write('<script src="site/js/vendor/jquery-1.11.2.min.js"><\/script>')</script> <script> </script> <script src="site/js/main.min.js"></script> <script> (function (b, o, i, l, e, r) { b.GoogleAnalyticsObject = l; b[l] || (b[l] = function () { (b[l].q = b[l].q || []).push(arguments) }); b[l].l = +new Date; e = o.createElement(i); r = o.getElementsByTagName(i)[0]; e.src = '//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js'; r.parentNode.insertBefore(e, r) }(window, document, 'script', 'ga')); ga('create', 'UA-18279226-1', 'auto'); ga('send', 'pageview'); </script> </body> </html>