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The abstraction of water from controlled waters is regulated
under
the Water Resources Act (1991) by the Environment
Agency. This allows the management of water resources,
enabling flow to be maintained at levels considered
necessary to maintain water quality and also to ensure
that water demands can be met.
Anyone wishing to abstract water must first obtain
a water abstraction license from the Environment Agency
who levies a charge based on the volume of water to
be abstracted.
Conditions of a license may restrict the quantity of
water taken, when it may be taken and how it must be
measured.
Failure to comply with the conditions of your license
can result in prosecution and fines.
Licenses of Right
Licenses issued before 1963 are considered 'licences
of right' and can only be reviewed or revoked by agreement
with the license holder, who may be able to demand compensation.
The Environment Agency cannot grant further licenses
that would derogate from the right of an existing license
holder.
Links to further information
Netregs
Management Guidelines: Water Abstraction
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