Under the Water Industry Act 1991 water companies have the statutory duty to supply sufficient quantities of wholesome water to domestic premises.

All water companies have water resource management plans which look ahead 25 years and show projections of future demand for water, and how the companies aim to meet this demand. These plans aim to secure a long-term sustainable supply and demand balance for the supply of water. Water companies manage water resources using a combination of demand management measures, including water efficiency, metering and leakage control, with the development of new water supply resources where needed.

In 2007, it became a statutory requirement for water companies to prepare and maintain water resources management plans. These statutory plans are subject to public consultation.

Water companies’ Water Resources Management Plans can be downloaded directly from the water companies’ websites.

An independent review of the first round of the Water Resources Management Plans processes was published in June 2011. Work is in hand to act upon the recommendations made in the review.

• independent review of the first round of the Water Resources Management Plans processes
• Further information about the first round of Water Resources Management Plans

Water companies must complete an annual review of their published Water Resources Management Plans, and if the review indicates a material change of circumstances they will be required to prepare a revised plan. Water companies are required to consult on new 25 year plans every five years.

Regulations and directions

Water Resources Management Plan Regulations 2007

Water Resources Management Plan Direction 2007 (PDF 20 KB)

Water Resources Management Plan (No.2) Direction 2007 (PDF 25 KB)

Water Resources Management Plan (No.2) (Amendment) Direction 2007 (PDF 25 KB)

The Environment Agency has prepared detailed guidance for water companies on the content of water resources plans and this is available on their website.