River basin management plans, updated 2022: summary programmes of measures – mechanisms

Summary

The main mechanisms to protect and improve the water environment in each river basin district.

Contents

• 1. Introduction

  This section introduces the Water Framework Directive Regulations and describes the range and use of mechanisms available to implement measures.

• 2. Cross cutting legislation for protecting water

  This section introduces other legislation, partnerships and approaches that protect water.

• 3. Efficient and sustainable use of water

  This section describes the mechanisms for the efficient and sustainable use of water.

• 4. Protection of waters used for abstracting drinking water 

  This section describes the mechanisms protecting the quality or quantity of water used for drinking water supplies.

• 5. Abstraction and impoundment of water

  This section describes the mechanisms to control abstraction and impoundment of water, and mechanisms to protect water resources that are used for abstraction.

• 6. Point source discharges

  This section summaries mechanisms for controlling discharges and limiting or preventing pollutants entering the water.

• 7. Diffuse source pollution

  This section describes mechanisms for agricultural and non-agricultural diffuse source pollution.

• 8. Physical modifications and morphology

  This section describes measures for a range of physical modifications as a result of different areas of activity and development to the water environment.

• 9. Fishing and fish stocking

  This section describes the mechanisms to conserve and protect fish populations.

• 10. Invasive non-native species (INNS)

  This section describes the current situation, measures and mechanisms for non-native species.

• 11. Direct discharge of pollutants into groundwater

  This section describes how the Water Framework Directive (WFD) Regulations prohibit the direct discharge of hazardous substances into groundwater.

• 12. Chemicals and priority substances

  This section describes the range of mechanisms that control the use, reduction and cessation hazardous chemicals and priority substances.

• 13. Pollution incidents

  This section describes the mechanisms to prevent or reduce the impact of accidental pollution incidents.

• 14. Marine environment

  This section describes the mechanisms for assessing, monitoring, managing and taking action across our seas.

• 15. Waste operations

  This section describes the mechanisms that control the collection, transport, treatment, storage and disposal of waste.

• 16. Plastics in the environment

  This section describes the statutory, business and third section mechanisms for micro and other plastics.