The Water Act 2003 (Commencement No. 7 and Transitional Provisions) Order 2007 (SI 2007 No. 1021) brought into force on 1st April 2007 in England and Wales certain provisions of the Water Act 2003 (”the Act”) and makes certain transitional provisions.

This Order gives full effect to the provisions of Part 2 of the Act in relation to the new regulatory arrangements for the water industry and the new water supply licensing regime. This completes the implementation of Part 2 of the Act.

The provisions of Part 3 of the Act brought into force by this Order require water undertakers to prepare and maintain water resources management plans. They also make provision for schemes for the adoption of sewers, lateral drains and sewage disposal works.

The Water Resources Management Plan Regulations 2007 (SI 2007/727) cover England and Wales and entered into force on 1st April 2007. They prescribe how water undertakers are to prepare and publish water resources management plans.

The obligation for water undertakers to prepare and maintain a water resources management plan arises under section 37A(1) of the Water Industry Act 1991 (inserted by section 62 of the Water Act 2003).

Regulation 2 prescribes the method of publication of a draft water resources management plan and the persons to whom it and the accompanying statement must be copied. Regulation 4 prescribes how water undertakers are to deal with representations received in relation to a draft water resources management plan. Regulation 5 provides that an inquiry or other hearing may be held in connection with a draft water resources management plan. Regulation 6 prescribes the method of publication of the water undertaker’s completed water resources management plan.

The full text of the Commencement Order is available from: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2007/20071021.htm, while the Water Resources Management Plan Regulations are available from the OPSI website at: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2007/20070727.htm

Source: www.opsi.gov.uk (accessed 03/04/07)

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