Water Targets Expert Advisory Group

The Water Targets Expert Advisory Group provides independent technical advice to inform the development of legally binding water targets for England.

Role of the group

The Environment Bill requires government to set at least one long-term target in 4 priority areas:

  • air quality
  • biodiversity
  • water
  • resource efficiency and waste reduction

The Water Targets Expert Advisory Group (WTEAG) helps government to meet the requirement to set at least one target on water. Separate groups advise on air quality, biodiversity and waste targets.

Terms of reference

The group aims to provide:

  • guidance throughout the life cycle of evidence development, including recommending appropriate analytical methods, datasets and evidence
  • advise on the content of final evidence outputs and interim products
  • expert judgement in evaluating target evidence

The group does not aim to decide:

  • which targets will be set - this is a role for the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
  • policy roadmaps or pathways for the delivery of the targets

WTEAG: terms of reference (PDF, 149 KB, 5 pages)

Membership

The group brings together relevant experts in this area. Members are appointed based on their specific skills, knowledge and experience. The group is chaired by Professor Penny Johnes.

The members are:

  • Professor Penny Johnes – Professor of Biogeochemistry, University of Bristol (Chair)
  • Professor Kevin Hiscock – Professor of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia
  • Professor Joseph Holden – Professor of Physical Geography, University of Leeds
  • Rob Lawson – Chair of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management Water Resources Panel and Director at Artesia
  • Professor Paul Withers – Professor of Catchment Biogeochemistry, Lancaster University
  • Professor Paul Whitehead – Professor of Water Science, University of Oxford
  • Nicci Russell – Managing Director of Waterwise

Minutes

Contact details

watertargetsexpertadvisorygroup@defra.gov.uk