The Environment Agency has developed an operating framework for water supply reservoirs and flood risk management. This framework will:

• help decide which water supply reservoirs can provide flood risk management benefits
• enable consistent local decision making

We have designed this framework to support engagement between the:

• Environment Agency
• water companies
• other partners, including local communities and wider interest groups

Each reservoir has a primary purpose. The framework ensures that, where possible:

• integrated decision-making leads to many benefits
• it aligns with adaptive planning principles