The Environment Agency has published a summary of responses to the recent Challenges and Choices consultation, into the “challenges our waters face and the choices we all need to make to help tackle those challenges”. The Agency received a total of 606 responses from a range of groups and individuals, including:

• the water industry
• local authorities
• the farming industry
• navigation authorities
• catchment partnerships
• local wildlife groups
• regional flood and coastal committees

From Summary report, which can be viewed here.

Some examples of the topics that consultees referred to include the following. These are not exclusive or listed in any particular order.

Nature based solutions that can deliver multiple benefits

We received comments on:

• reducing flood risk through natural flood management
• improving habitats and biodiversity through actions such as rewilding

Addressing storm water overflows

Respondents thought the Environment Agency needed to:

• improve their operations and reduce their frequency of use
• penalise water companies when they use them too frequently

Tackling over abstraction

Respondents commented on the:

• importance of sustainable abstraction on chalk
• need to maintain a minimum flow target
• need to value water appropriately and encourage using water meters

Protecting chalk streams

Respondents raised the importance of protecting chalk streams:

• from over abstraction, pollution and physical modification
• by securing additional protection for these globally unique water environments

Catchment planning and partnerships

Respondents raised the importance of delivering education and citizen campaigns, but only if they are sufficiently funded for the long term.

Enforcing existing regulations

Respondents stressed the need for the Environment Agency to do more on enforcing existing regulations.

Future of agriculture

We received comments on how important proposed Environmental Land Management schemes are to the future of agriculture, including:

• the vital role these schemes will play to improve the environment and soil health
• that the schemes need to be supported by greater enforcement of existing regulations

Chemicals and plastics in the environment

Comments included that we need:

• campaigns to educate people about sustainable use
• government bans and restrictions, where appropriate

Securing future funding for the environment

The main suggestion was for the government to use additional taxes to support environmental improvements. Also to secure funding to enforce existing regulations, such as farm inspections.

Next steps

We are continuing to analyse responses as we identify actions to take. You will be able to comment on these during the draft RBMP consultation. After this we will finalise the plans and submit them to the Secretary of State for approval.

We will tell you as soon as we have more certainty about the timetable for updating these plans – we will provide updates on the River basin management plans: 2015 web page.