The Environment Agency's 12 week consultation on changes to the way organisations and individuals are charged to abstract water from the environment is underway.

These changes are, the government claims, aimed at better managing and protecting water resources. Based on recent projections, more than 3.4 billion additional litres per day will be needed in England by 2050, 23% more than today's supplies.

The new proposed charges – which have not changed for the past 10 years – will be based on:

:the volume of water taken from the environment;

:how much of that water is returned to the environment.

Under the proposals, around 45% of abstractors will see their annual charges decrease and 55% will see an increase. Overall, three quarters (75%) of all abstractors will see either a decrease or an increase of less than £100.

Environment Agency Chief Executive Sir James Bevan said: "In the face of the climate emergency, population growth and rising demand for water, we need to protect our rivers, aquifers and the environment; and ensure that those who rely on water for their business or public supply can continue to do so into the future.

"The proposed changes to the Environment Agency's water abstraction licence charges are designed to do that. They will allow the EA to do more to protect our rivers and chalk streams; to manage our water resources better for the public, businesses and the environment; and to sustain supplies into the future, helping us secure long term water resilience.

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I urge anyone with an interest to take part in this consultation on this critical issue for us all. "

All those who abstract water from the environment – including water companies, farmers, local authorities and other organisations – are encouraged to take part in the consultation and learn more by clicking HERE : the government site