Natural England

11 August 2008

Natural England today called on water companies to make a major shift in the ways they plan to protect the natural environment.

Helen Phillips, Chief Executive of Natural England, says, “The review of water company prices presents a real opportunity for water companies to deliver environmental improvements to benefit people and wildlife. They need to do more to provide sustainable, high quality water supplies that are more resilient to drought and that safeguard wildlife and the natural environment.”

Dr Phillips’ comments come in advance of Monday’s publication of draft water company business plans that form the first stage of Ofwat’s Periodic Review of Water Company pricing.

In its review of the plans, Natural England – the government’s wildlife advisor – will be looking for a major shift towards improved management of water catchment areas in order to tackle water quality and resource problems at source. Natural England believes this approach would be more cost effective for the water consumer and would deliver wider public benefits such as improved biodiversity, better carbon and flood risk management, and better opportunities for access and recreation.

Natural England will be looking to the business plans to tackle the challenges of climate change, ensuring that companies develop and adopt less energy intensive processes, and manage water resources in a more sustainable way. Real efforts need to be made to tackle water efficiency in the home and reduce the impacts of water usage on vulnerable wetlands and rivers.

Natural England will publish its conclusions on the environmental suitability of the draft business plans in early September, enabling us to challenge Ofwat and the water companies on what needs to be included in their final business plans next year.