Overview

The Water Bill aims to improve water management in England and Wales by setting targets for water quality, conservation, and climate change mitigation. It establishes a Commission on Water to advise the government and mandates a Citizens’ Assembly to explore alternative water ownership models.

Description

This bill sets out numerous objectives and targets relating to water, including:

• Water Resource Management: Securing the conservation, augmentation, distribution, and proper use of water resources; improving water supply provision.
• Pollution Control: Reducing agricultural, urban, and industrial pollution; implementing upstream solutions to prevent pollution from entering waterways.
• Ecological Restoration: Restoring and maintaining the ecological status of rivers, lakes, and coastal waters; enhancing amenity and biodiversity.
• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Reducing water leakages and evaporation; promoting renewable energy in water operations; reducing greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment.
• Water Affordability and Access: Ensuring affordable and universally accessible water supplies for domestic customers; providing free water where appropriate.
• Water Company Governance: Requiring representation of trade unions and local authorities on water company boards; granting voting rights to employees and customers; prohibiting the transfer of public water companies to private ownership; introducing penalties for non-compliance.

The bill requires the Secretary of State to publish and implement a Water Strategy within 18 months, incorporating measures to achieve these objectives. A Commission on Water, including a Citizens' Assembly on Water Ownership, will advise on the strategy.

Government Spending

The bill mandates that any expenditure incurred under or by virtue of this Act, including the implementation of the strategy, will be paid out of money provided by Parliament. The exact cost is not specified in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Water Companies: Face increased regulatory requirements, potential penalties for non-compliance, and changes to their governance structures (including board representation and shareholder restrictions).
• Consumers: May see changes in water pricing structures and increased access to water, potentially including free water in certain circumstances.
• Environmental Groups: Will likely influence the strategy through participation in the Commission and Citizens' Assembly; stand to benefit from improved water quality and ecological restoration.
• Local Authorities: Will have a greater role in water governance, including representation on water company boards and involvement in planning decisions related to water conservation.
• Trade Unions: Will have increased representation on water company boards.
• Government: Will bear the financial burden of implementing the strategy and overseeing the Commission and Citizens' Assembly.

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