EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations, made together by the National Assembly for Wales in relation to water undertakers whose areas are wholly or mainly in Wales, and the Secretary of State in relation to all other water undertakers, 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.

A full regulatory impact assessment of the effect that this instrument will have on the costs of business and the voluntary sector is available from Water Supply & Regulation Division, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Room 304, 55 Whitehall, c/o 3-8 Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2HH. A copy of this document has also been placed in the library of each House of Parliament.