Plans to reform the UK water sector have big implications for farmers and must take account of agriculture, say farm leaders.
The warning follows 88 recommendations by the Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe – including a new integrated regulator for water and nine new regional water authorities to deliver on local priorities. Key recommendations include a national water strategy setting out a renewed, long-term vision for the water environment – balancing the needs of businesses, private consumers and the environment.
The government has already accepted one key recommendation – the abolition of regulator Ofwat and the establishment of a new regulator combining the water-related functions of Ofwat, Natural England and the Environment Agency.
NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos said the union would continue to examine in detail all the recommendations within the Cunliffe report and the potential impact on its 45,000 farmer and grower members.
Represented
On the recommendation for new, regional water authorities, Ms Hallos said: “It’s vital that, if the government adopts this approach, agriculture is represented on these groups in order to deliver on that goal.”
The NFU says the report clearly highlights the huge pressure on water in the UK – including water resources, flooding and water quality. The union says this requires a comprehensive water management strategy.
“Ultimately, we need a joined-up approach,” said Ms Hallows.
This would encourage investment in the country’s water infrastructure, allow farmers to collaborate better with government, local authorities and water companies – and prioritise UK food security as national security. The Country Land and Business Association said agricultural water needs would become explicitly considered alongside other users if the National Water Strategy recommendation is implemented.
Abstraction
“Currently, legislation prevents water for agriculture having higher priority during droughts, and decisions about who gets abstraction are not as fair and transparent as they could be,” said the CLA.
Lincolnshire farmer Robert Caudwell, who chairs the Association of Drainage Authorities, said the report’s recommendations created an opportunity to plan for water resources in a holistic way. Internal Drainage Boards, which manage water levels for the agriculture and the environment needs, could play an important role – supporting water companies, farmers and other water users, said Mr Caudwell.