Water

Find out what your business needs to do to comply with water regulations and how you can save water.

Environmental permitting for discharges to surface water and groundwater
If you are going to make a discharge to surface water (for example a river, stream, estuary or the sea), or to groundwater (including via an infiltration system) then you may need to apply for an environmental permit to make that discharge.
Environmental Permitting - Groundwater
Find out if your facility needs an Environmental Permit and how to apply.
Water abstraction
All you need to know about taking or impounding water
Water efficiency
Find out how to improve your water efficiency.
Managing water resources in England and Wales
Find out how we are balancing the amount of water available for people, the economy and the environment.
Groundwater
What is ground water? Find out how we protect and manage groundwater.
Water quality documents - surface and groundwater
These documents explain how we regulate discharges to surface water and make decisions on applications for environmental permits.
Better regulation for water quality
Find out about how we're improving our water quality regulation.
Quantifying carbon emissions from water use in the home
Find out about our key findings from a research project to understand carbon emissions from water use
Water Resources (EIA) Regulations 2003
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) helps us assess and explain the effects on the environment of new developments before a development is permitted.

Environmental permitting for discharges to surface water and groundwater