Policy paper

South and West Somerset abstraction licensing strategy

Updated 30 July 2025

Applies to England

1. About the licensing strategy

This strategy sets out our approach to managing new and existing abstractions and impoundments within the South and West Somerset catchment in the south-west England river basin district.

Our approach ensures that we:

• meet river basin management plan objectives for water resources activities
• avoid deterioration within this catchment

We apply this approach to the water body in which the abstraction or impoundment is located.

It also applies to:

• all downstream surface water bodies that may be affected by any reduction in abstraction related flow
• adjacent groundwater bodies affected by any reduction in groundwater level

The strategy also sets out local approaches to the sustainable management of water resources in collaboration with partners.

Our guidance on managing water abstraction gives the technical explanation, legal and policy requirements behind the abstraction licensing strategies (ALS).

Please see our guidance if you need to:

• check if you need a licence to abstract water
• check if you need a licence to impound water
• apply for an abstraction or impounding licence

Note: We continuously update our assessment tools, because of this some details in this document, for example hands off flow (HoF) values, may be out of date. You can contact the Environment Agency for the latest data.

1.1 Collaborative and sustainable water management

Our long term goal is to develop a stronger catchment focus for water resources. We are working with abstractors and catchment groups to:

• develop local solutions to existing pressures
• to prepare for the future

Catchment groups may include a variety of different partnership groups such as:

• abstractor groups
• local catchment partnerships
• priority catchment groups
• environmental groups

Regional water resources groups are taking forward strategic multi-sector regional plans which consider environmental needs for long term planning. We are working with these groups to improve the connection between regional planning and catchment scale planning and delivery. Further information on regional planning can be found on our website for the National Framework.

This strategy is a tool to make informed decisions on the choices abstractors make about their use of water. We want this strategy to help abstractors plan their water use and become more resilient in the face of climate change.

2. Catchment overview

The South and West Somerset catchment forms part of the South West river basin management plan. It can be sub-divided into the following river catchments:

• Brue
• Parrett
• West Somerset Streams

Map 1: River catchment boundaries within the South and West Somerset ALS

Further information can be found via the Catchment Data Explorer.

2.1. Landscape and land use

The South and West Somerset catchment covers an area of approximately 2,800 km².

The Brue and Parrett catchments are characterised by their flat, low-lying rural landscapes typified by the Somerset Levels and Moors. This is a large wetland and includes significant areas designated as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for overwintering birds.

The West Somerset streams are situated in or close to several protected sites including the Quantocks and the Exmoor Heath Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). They are typically steep and fast flowing, draining from Exmoor and Quantock Hills and flowing northwards to the sea.

All the river catchments within the South and West Somerset ALS are dominated by a rural landscape with mixed agricultural use. The area also supports a significant proportion of designated sites and is home to numerous protected species and habitats.

The photograph shows the North Drain pumping station situated on the River Brue. One of many pumping stations within the Somerset Levels and Moors used to help control water levels.

2.2 Water resources

The main water resource pressure in the South and West Somerset catchment comes from public water supply abstractions.

The Somerset Levels and Moors of the Brue, Parrett and Tone catchments are a managed wetland system covering an area of approximately 650km². Most of the water in the Moors lies in a network of manmade channels (known locally as ‘rhynes’). These rhynes serve several roles:

• irrigating the Moors (for wet fences and supplying drinking water for livestock)
• draining the areas after periods of high rainfall
• flooding in certain areas for conservation purposes

The water levels are artificially controlled by structures including pumping stations, gates and sluices. The Internal Drainage Boards have an important role in managing the water levels in the rhynes within the low-lying levels and moors. The Environment Agency controls larger pumping stations and tidal gates. Throughout both the Brue and Parrett catchments, many of the water bodies are heavily modified due to the artificial nature of the landscape.

Parrett catchment

The Parrett catchment includes:

• River Parrett
• River Tone
• River Isle
• River Cary
• River Yeo

It drains from the Quantocks, Blackdown Hills and Mendips, flowing through the low-lying Somerset Levels and Moors to the Bristol Channel at Bridgwater Bay. The underlying rock has a major influence on the catchment’s response to rainfall. It results in high run-off from the impermeable uplands in the east and waterlogging of the lowlands.

The photograph shows a sheep field taken from top of Burrow Mump in the River Parrett catchment.

Brue catchment

North of the Parrett catchment, the River Brue originates in the Greensands of the Wessex Vales, near Bruton. It then flows through the low-lying peaty Moors and clay Levels before discharging to the Bristol Channel at Highbridge.

The River Axe is hydrologically connected to the Brue and originates in the limestone Mendip Hills which provide significant public water supply.

The photograph shows Cheddar reservoir, which is managed by Bristol Water, and forms part of the Axe catchment. It is also important locally for recreation activities and an important habitat for birds.

The Somerset Levels and Moors of the Brue, Parrett and Tone catchments are a managed wetland system covering an area of approximately 650km². Most of the water in the Moors lies in a network of manmade channels (known locally as ‘rhynes’). These rhynes serve several roles:

• irrigating the Moors (for wet fences and supplying drinking water for livestock)
• draining the areas after periods of high rainfall
• flooding in certain areas for conservation purposes

The water levels are artificially controlled by structures including pumping stations, gates and sluices. The Internal Drainage Boards have an important role in managing the water levels in the rhynes within the low-lying levels and moors. The Environment Agency controls larger pumping stations and tidal gates. Throughout both the Brue and Parrett catchments, many of the water bodies are heavily modified due to the artificial nature of the landscape.

West Somerset Streams catchment

The West Somerset Streams are located along the Somerset coastline from Minehead to Doniford and include:

• Hawkcombe Stream
• Horner Water
• River Avill
• River Pill
• Washford River
• Doniford Stream
• Kilve Stream

The West Somerset Streams catchment is more natural than the Parrett and Brue catchments, except for the Avill and Lower Washford. There is also an artificial water body, Nutscale Reservoir which is no longer used for public water supply. The catchment supports numerous protected habitats including the:

• Exmoor National Park SAC
• Quantocks Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

2.3 Climate change

Climate change represents one of the greatest challenges for future sustainable management of water resources and will likely impact on the quantity and seasonal availability of water resources within the catchment.

3. Water resource availability in the South and West Somerset catchment

3.1 Surface water availability

The method for calculating the water resource availability is explained in managing water abstraction. Water availability is calculated at selected assessment points (APs). The maps show the water availability calculated at the AP; local water availability may differ.

There are 8 APs in the Brue catchment:

• AP1 covers the River Brue, from Bruton to Lovington Gauging Station (GS), including the River Pitt and Alham
• AP2 covers the Whitelake, Redlake and Hartlake from Evercreech to Crannel Moor
• AP3 covers the River Sheppey from Doulting to Fenny Castle GS
• AP4 covers the River Brue from Lovington GS to Basin Bridge GS
• AP5 covers the River Axe from Clewer to Loxton including the Cheddar Yeo
• AP6 covers the River Axe from Cheddar Yeo to Brean Cross, including the Mark Yeo
• AP7 covers the River Axe headwater at Wookey Hole GS
• AP8 covers the Cheddar Yeo from Cheddar to upstream of Helliers Stream

There are 19 APs in the Parrett catchment:

• AP1 covers the River Cary from Castle Cary to Somerton GS
• AP2 covers the River Cam and Blackford Stream from Blackford to Yeovilton
• AP3 covers the Upper River Yeo and Sherbourne Lake from Charlton Horethorne to Bradford Abbas
• AP4 covers the River Wriggle and Beer Hackett Stream from Batcombe to Blackford Abbas
• AP5 covers Sutton Bingham Stream and Closworth Stream from Corscombe and Lewcombe to Potter’s Leaze Plantation
• AP6 covers the River Yeo from Yeovil to Long Sutton
• AP7 covers the Upper River Parrett from Chedington to Gawbridge Bow including Goulds Brook and Chinnock Brook
• AP8 covers the River Isle and Shudrick Stream from Chard to North Ilminster
• AP9 covers the Fivehead River from Blackdown Hills to the River Isle
• AP10 covers the Cannington Brook from Hawkridge Reservoir to Cannington
• AP11 covers the Upper River Tone from Sedgeborough Common to Greenham GS
• AP12 covers the Hele Brook from Lowton to River Tone
• AP13 covers the Hillfarance Brook from Stone Wood to the River Tone
• AP14 covers the River Tone from Hillfarance River to Bishops Hull GS
• AP15 covers Halsewater from Rooks Nest to Norton Fitzwarren
• AP16 covers the River Tone from Firepool to Taunton Market
• AP17 covers the River Tone from Bishops Hull GS to Firepool
• AP18 covers the King Sedgemoor Drain Crandon Bridge GS to the River Parrett at Westover Pumping Station, including the River Sowy and Eighteen Feet Rhyne and River Cary from Somerton to Henley
• AP19 covers the River Parrett, Yeo from Gawbridge Bow to Westover Bridge, including the lower River Isle

There are 6 APs in the West Somerset Streams catchment (due to the small size of these rivers some cover multiple streams):

• AP1 covers the River Aller and Horner Water
• AP2 covers the River Avill and Wootton Courtenay Stream
• AP3 covers the Washford River and Traphole Stream
• AP4 covers the Doniford and Monksilver Streams
• AP5 covers the River Pill
• AP6 covers the Kilve Stream

3.2 Water resource availability colours and implications for licensing

The water resource availability is calculated and the colour assigned at four different flows:

• Q30 – the flow of a river which is exceeded on average for 30% of the time, therefore you would expect the river flow to be lower than Q30 on 256 days in an average year, that is, a higher flow
• Q50 – the flow of a river which is exceeded on average 50% of the time, therefore you would expect the river flow to be lower than Q50 on 183 days in an average year
• Q70 – the flow of a river which is exceeded on average for 70% of the time, therefore you would expect the river flow to be lower than Q70 on 110 days in an average year
• Q95 – the flow of a river which is exceeded on average for 95% of the time, therefore you would expect the river flow to be lower than Q95 on 18 days in an average year, that is, a low flow

We use the colours below to represent different surface water availability at these flows.

Water available for licensing

Green 

There is more water than required to meet the needs of the environment.

New licences can be considered depending on local and downstream impacts.

Restricted water available for licensing

Yellow

Full licensed flows fall below the environmental flow indicators (EFI).

If all licensed water is abstracted there will not be enough water left for the needs of the environment. No new consumptive licences would be granted. It is likely we will be taking action to reduce full licensed risks. Water may be available if you can ‘buy’ (known as licence trading) the entitlement to abstract water from an existing licence holder.

Water not available for licensing

Red

Recent actual flows are below the EFI (or have been overridden by a downstream AP where flows are below the EFI).

This scenario highlights water bodies where flows are below the indicative flow requirement to help support a healthy ecology in our rivers. We will not grant further licences in these water bodies.

We are currently taking action in these water bodies. Water may be available if you can buy (known as licence trading) the amount equivalent to recently abstracted from an existing licence holder.

No assessment point

White

This scenario highlights water bodies where there is no assessment point.

New applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis. For these waterbodies, a local assessment will be required to determine whether there is resource available.

3.3 Water availability maps

The water availability colours for the South and West Somerset catchment are presented in maps 2 to 5. Tables 1 to 3 provide a summary of maps 2 to 5, showing the water availability at each assessment point by flow category. Water availability may be different at a local level.

Table 1. Summary of Maps 2 to 5 – water availability at each assessment point by flow category for the Brue catchment

AP	Q30	Q50	Q70	Q95
1. River Brue	Available	Available	Available	Restricted
2. Whitelake	Available	Available	Available	Restricted
3. River Sheppey	Available	Available	Available	Restricted
4. Lower Brue at Bason Bridge	Available	Available	Available	Not available
5. Middle River Axe	Restricted	Not available	Not available	Not available
6. Lower River Axe at Diamond Farm	Restricted	Restricted	Restricted	Restricted
7. River Axe	Restricted	Not available	Not available	Not available
8. Cheddar Yeo	Not available	Not available	Not available	Not available

Table 2. Summary of Maps 2 to 5 – water availability at each assessment point by flow category for the Parrett catchment

AP	Q30	Q50	Q70	Q95
1. River Cary	Available	Available	Available	Not available
2. River Cam	Available	Available	Available	Restricted
3. Upper River Yeo	Available	Available	Available	Restricted
4. Wriggle River	Available	Available	Available	Restricted
5. Sutton Bingham Stream	Restricted	Not available	Not available	Not available
6. Main River Yeo	Available	Available	Available	Restricted
7. Upper River Parrett	Available	Available	Available	Restricted
8. Upper River Isle	Available	Available	Available	Restricted
9. Fivehead River	Available	Available	Available	Restricted
10. Cannington Brook	Available	Not available	Not available	Not available
11. Upper River Tone	Not available	Not available	Not available	Not available
12. Hele Brook	Available	Available	Available	Restricted
13. Hillfarrance Brook	Available	Available	Available	Restricted
14. Middle River Tone	Available	Available	Available	Restricted
15. Halsewater	Available	Available	Available	Restricted
16. Lower River Tone	Available	Available	Available	Restricted
17. Taunton downstream of Firepool Weir	Available	Available	Available	Restricted
18. King Sedgemoor Drain at Crandon Bridge	Available	Available	Available	Not available
19. Bow Bridge	Available	Available	Available	Restricted

Table 3. Summary of Maps 2 to 5 – water availability at each assessment point by flow category for the West Somerset Streams catchment

AP	Q30	Q50	Q70	Q95
1. Horner Water	Available	Available	Available	Available
2. River Avill	Available	Available	Available	Restricted
3. Washford River	Available	Available	Available	Available
4. Doniford Stream	Available	Available	Available	Available
5. River Pill	Available	Available	Available	Available
6. Kilve Stream	Available	Available	Available	Available

Map 2. Water resource availability colours at Q30 for South and West Somerset catchment ALS

Map 3. Water resource availability colours at Q50 for South and West Somerset catchment ALS

Map 4. Water resource availability colours at Q70 for South and West Somerset catchment ALS

Map 5. Water resource availability colours at Q95 for South and West Somerset catchment ALS

3.4 Groundwater resource availability

Abstracting groundwater can impact on overlying surface water bodies and groundwater dependent ecosystems. This impact is measured at the surface water AP. We cannot grant new groundwater licences where abstraction is reducing flows to below the indicative flow requirement to help support a healthy ecology. This is based on Q95 flows.

We must also account for:

• the available resource in the aquifer
• the impact of abstraction on protected sites and groundwater dependent ecosystems
• the risk of saline intrusion

3.5 Groundwater resource availability colours and implications for licensing

We use colours to represent different groundwater availability.

Water available for licensing

Green

Groundwater management unit balance shows groundwater available for licensing.

New licences can be considered depending on impacts on other abstractors, designated ecological sites and on surface water.

Restricted water available for licensing

Yellow

Groundwater management unit balance shows more water is licensed than the amount available, or that there are known local impacts on dependent wetlands, surface water bodies, groundwater levels or potential for saline intrusion.

In restricted groundwater management units, consumptive groundwater abstractions will be subject to local assessment and will either be constrained or not granted. It may also be appropriate to investigate the possibilities for reducing fully licensed risks. Water may be available if you can ‘buy’ (known as licence trading) the entitlement to abstract water from an existing licence holder.

Water not available for licensing

Red

Groundwater management unit balance shows more water has been abstracted based on recent amounts than the amount available.

We will not grant further licences.

3.6 Groundwater availability maps

Map 6 shows the groundwater management units in the South and West Somerset catchment are restricted.

Map 6. Water resources availability colours for groundwater

3.7 Resource reliability

If you want to apply for a licence, it is worth considering the reliability of your abstraction.

By assessing the quantity of water available at different flows it is possible to see:

• when there is a surplus or deficit of water
• the associated reliability of an abstraction

This is an indication only. Actual reliability of a licence will be discussed when you apply.

Map 7 gives an indication of the resource availability for consumptive abstraction in South and West Somerset catchment expressed as a percentage of time.

Table 4. Resource reliability in South and West Somerset area for each AP in the Brue catchment

AP	Consumptive abstraction is available
1. River Brue	At least 70% of the time
2. Whitelake	At least 70% of the time
3. River Sheppey	At least 70% of the time
4. Lower Brue at Bason Bridge	At least 70% of the time
5. Middle River Axe	Less than 30% of the time
6. Lower River Axe at Diamond Farm	Less than 30% of the time
7. River Axe	Less than 30% of the time
8. Cheddar Yeo	Less than 30% of the time

Table 5. Resource reliability in South and West Somerset area for each AP in the Parrett catchment

AP	Consumptive abstraction is available
1. River Cary	At least 70% of the time
2. River Cam	At least 70% of the time
3. Upper River Yeo	At least 70% of the time
4. Wriggle River	At least 70% of the time
5. Sutton Bingham Stream	Less than 30% of the time
6. Main River Yeo	At least 70% of the time
7. Upper River Parrett	At least 70% of the time
8. Upper River Isle	At least 70% of the time
9. Fivehead River	At least 70% of the time
10. Cannington Brook	At least 30% of the time
11. Upper River Tone	Less than 30% of the time
12. Hele Brook	At least 70% of the time
13. Hillfarrance Brook	At least 70% of the time
14. Middle River Tone	At least 70% of the time
15. Halsewater	At least 70% of the time
16. Lower River Tone	At least 70% of the time
17. Taunton downstream of Firepool Weir	At least 70% of the time
18. King Sedgemoor Drain at Crandon Bridge	At least 70% of the time
19. Bow Bridge	At least 70% of the time

Table 6. Resource reliability in South and West Somerset area for each AP in the West Somerset Streams catchment

AP	Consumptive abstraction is available
1. Horner Water	At least 95% of the time
2. River Avill	At least 70% of the time
3. Washford River	At least 95% of the time
4. Doniford Stream	At least 95% of the time
5. River Pill	At least 95% of the time
6. Kilve Stream	At least 95% of the time

Map 7. Water resource reliability of the South and West Somerset catchment ALS expressed as a percentage of time available

3.8 Other considerations for resource availability and reliability

When we grant a licence, it does not mean that we guarantee a supply of water.

We may have to add constraints to licences such as ‘hands off flow’ (HoF) or ‘hands off level’ (HoL) conditions to protect the environment and the rights of other abstractors. These conditions specify that if the flow or level in the river drops below what is needed to protect the environment, abstraction must reduce or stop. In dry years, restrictions are likely to apply more often, which will affect the reliability of supply.

Whilst this document may say that water is available for abstraction, this does not guarantee that all applications will be successful. This is because we must determine each application on its own merits, and local factors may mean we are either unable to grant a licence as applied for, or even at all.

New licences within an ALS are usually given a ‘common end date’ (CED), which allows them to be reviewed at the same time.

The next CEDs for catchments within this ALS are:

Catchment	Next CED	Subsequent CED
Brue	31 March 2037	31 March 2049
Parrett	31 March 2030	31 March 2042
Tone	31 March 2028	31 March 2040
West Somerset Streams	31 March 2026	31 March 2038

3.9 Impoundments

Applications for impounding licences will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and take into account the requirements of our obligations under the Habitats Regulations (2017) and WFD Regulations (2017).

An impoundment is a dam, weir or other construction in an inland waterway that obstructs or impedes flow. Our assessment of an impounding licence application takes into consideration its potential impacts on the environment (such as fish migration), flood risk, downstream water users and flow modification. In line with current legislation, we do not time limit impounding licences.

You must have an impounding licence before you start to construct, alter, repair, or remove an impounding structure, even in an emergency. However, certain exemptions may apply and if we deem there is little or no impact on the environment and other water users, you may not need a licence. Please contact the Environment Agency if you intend to construct, alter, repair, or remove an impounding structure so that we may advise you whether a licence is required.

There is more information in our guidance on how to check if you need a licence to impound water.

4. How we manage water availability in the South and West Somerset ALS

4.1 Surface water

We assess surface water flows at each AP, which are significant points on a river, often where two major rivers join or at a gauging station. An AP can cover multiple surface water bodies.

Where groundwater abstractions directly impact on surface water flows, the impact is measured at the surface water AP. This is the case for all rivers within South and West Somerset.

Tables 7 to 9 below give an indication of:

• how much water is available for further abstraction
• the associated restrictions we may have to apply to new and varied abstraction licences from the main river

Depending on the nature of the catchment, tributaries to the main river may be subject to different restrictions and quantities. This may be assessed locally on a case-by-case basis.

Each HoF is linked to an AP and is dependent on the resource availability at that AP. In some cases, additional restrictions may apply to licences where there is a more critical resource availability downstream to protect the ecological requirements of the river and other water users. This has been considered in the figures given in Tables 7 to 9 below.

All abstraction licence applications are subject to an assessment. This takes account of any local and downstream issues and may be subject to further restrictions.

Reading from top to bottom in Tables 7 to 9 are the APs in the South and West Somerset ALS area. Reading across the columns shows the potential reliability of a new licence expressed as the number of days water may be available under this restriction during an average year. In cases where there is water available at all flows, we may apply a minimum residual flow (MRF) in the water body to protect very low flows. We will decide this on a case-by-case basis.

Table 7. Summary of licensing approach for the assessment points of Brue catchment of the South and West Somerset ALS

AP	AP National Grid reference	Water resource availability	HOF restriction (Ml/d)	Approximate volume available at restriction (Ml/d)	Additional restrictions
1. River Brue	ST590318	Water available for licensing at Q78 and higher	37.8	10.9	Local assessment to assess impact on downstream LDEs and River Pitt
2. Whitelake	ST497415	Water available for licensing at Q78 and higher	12.6	4.8	Local assessment to assess impact on downstream LDEs
3. River Sheppey	ST497438	Water available for licensing at Q78 and higher	35.3	11.1	Local assessment to assess impact on downstream LDEs
4. Lower Brue at Bason Bridge	ST345458	Water available for licensing at Q78 and higher	85.8	20.6	Tide locked, level dependent, local assessment to assess if flow or level constraint required
5. Middle River Axe	ST387549	Water available for licensing at Q18 and higher	182.2	24.3	Level dependent, local assessment to assess if flow or level constraint required
6. Lower River Axe at Diamond Farm	ST308562	Water available for licensing at Q20 and higher	256.4	68.5	Level dependent, local assessment to assess if flow or level constraint required
7. River Axe	ST526457	Water available for licensing at Q18 and higher	82.4	24.3	None
8. Cheddar Yeo	ST438521	Water not available for licensing	Not applicable	Not applicable	None

Table 8. Summary of licensing approach for the assessment points of Parrett catchment of the South and West Somerset ALS

AP	AP National Grid reference	Water resource availability	HOF restriction (Ml/d)	Approximate volume available at restriction (Ml/d)	Additional restrictions
1. River Cary	ST493290	Water available for licensing at Q80 and higher	7.5	3.3	Local assessment to see if alternative flow or level constraint required
2. River Cam	ST565239	Restricted water available	Local assessment required	Local assessment required	Local assessment due to water resources requirements of Somerset Levels and Moors
3. Upper River Yeo	ST592138	Restricted water available	Local assessment required	Local assessment required	Local assessment due to water resources requirements of Somerset Levels and Moors
4. Wriggle River	ST591137	Restricted water available	Local assessment required	Local assessment required	Local assessment due to water resources requirements of Somerset Levels and Moors
5. Sutton Bingham Stream	ST574149	Water available for licensing at Q27 and higher	61.9	20.5	Local assessment to consider impact of Sutton Bingham reservoir
6. Main River Yeo	ST458246	Restricted water available	Local assessment required	Local assessment required	Local assessment due to water resources requirements of Somerset Levels and Moors
7. Upper River Parrett	ST444199	Restricted water available	Local assessment required	Local assessment required	Local assessment due to water resources requirements of Somerset Levels and Moors
8. Upper River Isle	ST361187	Restricted water available	Local assessment required	Local assessment required	Local assessment due to water resources requirements of Somerset Levels and Moors
9. Fivehead River	ST369224	Restricted water available	Local assessment required	Local assessment required	Local assessment due to water resources requirements of Somerset Levels and Moors
10. Cannington Brook	ST259393	Water available for licensing at Q39 and higher	27.2	1.6	Local assessment to account for ongoing investigation into the impacts of abstraction
11. Upper River Tone	ST078201	Water not available for licensing	N/A	N/A	Local assessment to consider the impact of Clatworthy reservoir
12. Hele Brook	ST179240	Water available for licensing at Q77 and higher	5.9	0.9	Local assessment to consider impact of Luxhay reservoir
13. Hillfarrance Brook	ST178242	Water available for licensing at Q77 and higher	21.1	4.6	None
14. Middle River Tone	ST205250	Water available for licensing at Q77 and higher	82.2	5.5	None
15. Halsewater	ST205253	Water available for licensing at Q77 and higher	38.1	5.5	None
16. Lower River Tone	ST301260	Restricted water available	Local assessment required	Local assessment required	Local assessment due to water resources requirements of Somerset Levels and Moors
17. Taunton downstream of Firepool Weir	ST231252	Water available for licensing at Q77 and higher	108.3	5.5	None
18. King Sedgemoor Drain at Crandon Bridge	ST330399	Water available for licensing at Q80 and higher	20.2	13.0	Level dependent - local assessment to consider if flow or level constraint required
19. Bow Bridge at Langport	ST415266	Restricted water available	Local assessment required	Local assessment required	Local assessment due to water resources requirements of Somerset Levels and Moors

Table 9. Summary of licensing approach for the assessment points of West Somerset Streams catchment of the South and West Somerset ALS

AP	AP National Grid Reference	Water resource availability	HOF restriction (Ml/d)	Approximate volume available at restriction (Ml/d)	Additional restrictions
1. Horner Water	SS892485	Available	7.3	0.2	None
2. River Avill	SS995454	Water available for licensing at Q92 and higher	12.2	1.1	None
3. Washford River	ST069432	Available	7.5	1.2	None
4. Doniford Stream	ST090430	Available	10.5	2.2	None
5. River Pill	ST027434	Available	2.4	0.2	None
6. Kilve Stream	ST143443	Available	2.3	0.4	None

4.2 Groundwater

For major aquifers we may divide the area into groundwater management units (GWMU), which are sub-divisions of the groundwater bodies. In these cases, we use the information and assessments on these units to determine water availability and licence restrictions.

Where groundwater abstractions directly impact on surface water flows, including reduction of base flow, the impact is measured at the surface water AP. In these cases, restrictions may be applied to licences, such as groundwater hands off level (HoL) conditions. The HoL is a groundwater level below which an abstractor is required to reduce or stop abstraction. Where there is known connectivity between surface water and groundwater, we may apply a HoF condition to the groundwater licence. This will relate to an appropriate surface water gauge.

Other restrictions may apply where availability is limited or to protect the environment, for example to prevent saline intrusion.

Licence restrictions on groundwater abstractions in the South and West Somerset ALS

A local assessment will be required for any new groundwater applications to determine whether there is resource available.

Eastern and Northern groundwater management unit

This GWMU has restricted water available for licensing.

This unit supports baseflows for both the Brue and Parrett catchments. The eastern area of the groundwater unit predominantly comprises of the Jurassic sandstone and limestone aquifers. These are separated by less permeable mudstone and siltstone units. The highly productive Inferior Oolite and Bridport Sand formations support the headwaters of local watercourses flowing east. These are often used for strategic water supply.

The northern area is dominated by the Carboniferous limestones of the Mendips, a karstic aquifer capable of transmitting and supporting large abstractions.

The Eastern and Northern GWMU is separated from the Western GWMU by a swathe of the Lias Group. The geological units of the Lias may support small local abstractions. However, any impacts are likely to be localised and they are generally considered to be less productive.

Western groundwater management unit

This GWMU has restricted water available for licensing.

The western groundwater catchment covers the West Somerset Streams and part of the Parrett catchments. It comprises various heavily metamorphosed sediments, with aquifer properties dominated by fissures and fractures. The area comprises of:

• older Devonian bedrock which supports local abstractions and small streams such as those on Exmoor
• a small area of productive Carboniferous limestone to the south-west of the catchment
• Permo-Triassic sandstones with interbedded conglomerates and mudstones which provide significant aquifers for larger abstractions
• Triassic Mercia Mudstone Group which acts as less permeable cover for the underlying sandstone aquifers but may also be a productive aquifer where conglomerates or substantial fissure networks are encountered

4.3 Level dependent environments

The South and West Somerset catchment contains a significant area of level dependent environments (LDEs). Flow constraints may not apply in LDEs. Local constraints based on levels not flow may be required on a site-specific basis to protect the watercourses.

For these catchments water level management plans have been set up. These have been agreed by the bodies or authorities interested in the water level management in an area. The Somerset Drainage Board Consortium maintain most of these plans, although the Environment Agency also operate a number.

LDEs are characterised by a network of river channels flowing above the level of the surrounding land. The low-lying land has a network of drainage ditches. These ditches remove water from the low-lying land and in many cases are pumped into the main river channels during the winter or high flows.

Map 8 gives an indication of where areas may be level dependent rather than flow dependent. The area highlighted covers the internal drainage board (IDB) areas within the South and West Somerset catchment.

Map 8. Axe, Brue, Parrett, North Somerset Levels Internal Drainage Board Boundary

4.4 Coasts and estuaries

The Parrett and Brue catchments both flow into the Severn Estuary, which has multiple environmental designations to protect important geology and wildlife. Special consideration needs to be given to impacts on the Severn Estuary when granting new licences within this area.

4.5 Heavily modified water bodies

A heavily modified water body (HMWB) is a watercourse that has been significantly altered to suit a specific purpose. HMWBs can be classified for many reasons. For water resources purposes it means that the flow regime has been altered by flow regulation/ augmentation.

Both the HMWBs and the artificial water bodies are designated for reasons including:

• flood protection
• land drainage
• water regulation
• drinking water supply
• recreation
• urbanisation
• wider environment

Within the South and West Somerset catchment there are several water bodies that are designated as HMWB. These can include the LDE areas, rivers affected by reservoirs and reservoirs themselves.

There are also several lakes and drain water bodies which are designated artificial. These systems provide flows to support ‘protected areas’ within these catchments.

If the water body is a HMWB then this may impact on the availability of water. A local assessment is required for any applications for new water to determine whether there is resource available. Conditions including HoF or HoL restrictions may be applied to your licence.

4.6 Protected sites

The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (Habitats Regulations) provides a very high level of protection to:

• Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), which contribute to biodiversity by maintaining and restoring habitats and species
• Special Protection Area (SPA), which provides protection to birds and their nests, eggs and habitats

Government policy treats Ramsar sites (internationally important wetland sites) in the same way as SACs and SPAs. Ramsar sites, SACs and SPAs are referred to collectively as European sites. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) also carry a high level of environmental importance.

Conservation objectives are the overarching objectives for European and SSSI protected sites to maintain at, or to reach, favourable condition. These are set by Natural England. The process for setting targets that underpin these objectives is described through the Joint Nature Conservation Committee approved ‘Common Standards Monitoring Guidance’ (CSMG). Natural England use CSMG targets to assess the condition of European and SSSI protected sites. Natural England consider these quantitative targets a pre-requisite for achieving the conservation objectives for European or SSSI designated sites. We have a duty to have regard to Natural England’s advice when determining licence applications that may impact on a designated site.

We may need more detailed supporting information when a licence application could impact on a designated conservation site. This will allow us to complete the required statutory assessment.

Further information on protected sites and species can be found on Natural England’s website.

5. Managing the catchment together

5.1 Action on unsustainable abstraction

Our guidance on managing water abstraction gives details on:

• what an unsustainable abstraction is
• the measures available to resolve environmental issues caused by abstraction

Action that has been taken on unsustainable abstraction

We have previously undertaken a range of catchment focused initiatives within the Brue catchment including:

• implementing nature based solutions to help store water in the ground and slow down the rate at which it enters river systems
• engaging with the agricultural community to share best practice and opportunities for farming more sustainably
• engaging with partners to increase the uptake of citizen science initiatives to monitor water quantity and quality
• bringing previously unregulated abstractions into the permitting regime through new authorisations

Action that we will take on unsustainable abstraction

We will take the following action to reduce unsustainable abstraction in the South and West Somerset catchment:

• continue working with the Internal Drainage Boards to ensure that water can be provided without harm to the environment, including reviewing water level management plans
• continue to work with wildlife organisations, Natural England and others to protect designated sites now and into the future
• continue working with industrial abstractors within the catchment to improve efficiency of water reuse
• improve our flow monitoring within the Brue catchment to better understand the issues and opportunities to improve water resources
• continue working with partners to seek opportunities to implement nature based solutions to improve resilience to drought and flood events
• continue to review the sustainability of private abstractions and implement changes when necessary
• continue working with the water companies to support the Water Industry National Environment Programme to address unsustainable abstraction

5.2 Water rights trading

We want to make it easier to trade water rights. A water rights trade is where a person sells all or part of their water right, as defined by their abstraction licences, to another person on a permanent or temporary basis. In many cases a trade will involve a change in abstraction location or use which we will need to approve through the issue or variation of abstraction licences.

In licensing trades, as with new abstraction licences, we need to make sure that we do not cause any deterioration in water body status within the water bodies where the trade will take place and to downstream water bodies.

This section provides a guide to the potential for trading in water bodies of a particular ALS water resource availability colour, as shown on maps 2 to 5.

Water available for licensing

Green

There may be opportunities to allow trades of recent actual abstraction and licensed abstraction. But little demand for trading is expected as water is available for new abstractions.

Restricted water available for licensing

Yellow

There may be opportunities for licence holders to trade up to their full licensed quantities. But the quantities of water available to trade may be restricted once levels of actual abstraction reach sustainable limits. We will not permit licence trades in water bodies where we are taking action to prevent deterioration. The exception to this is if the trade is consistent with achieving water body objectives.

Water not available for licensing

Red

We will only trade recent actual abstraction but no increase in recent actual abstraction is permitted in the water body. Licensed abstraction will be recovered for the environment.

To find out more about licence trading, use our guidance on trading water abstraction rights.

6. Glossary

Abstraction: Removal of water from a source of supply (surface or groundwater).

Abstraction licence: The authorisation granted by the Environment Agency to allow the removal of water.

Assessment point: A significant point on a river, often where two major rivers join or at a gauging station.

Catchment: The area from which precipitation and groundwater will collect and contribute to the flow of a specific river.

Catchment based approach: Partnership working at the river catchment scale to deliver a range of environmental, social, and economic benefits while protecting our precious water environments for the benefit of all.

Consumptive abstraction: Abstraction where a proportion of the water is not returned either directly or indirectly to the source of supply after use. For example, for the use of spray irrigation, general agriculture, domestic use, public water supply and water bottling.

Discharge: The release of substances (for example, water, treated sewage effluent) into surface waters.

Environmental flow indicator: Flow indicator to prevent environmental deterioration of rivers, set in line with new UK standards set by UK Technical Advisory Group.

Groundwater: Water that is contained in underground rocks.

Groundwater management unit: A defined sub-division of a groundwater body used in assessing water availability and relevant licence conditions.

Hands off flow: A condition attached to an abstraction licence which states that if flow (in the river) falls below the rate specified on the licence, the abstractor will be required to reduce or stop the abstraction.

Hands off level: A condition attached to an abstraction which states that if level (in the river or groundwater aquifer) falls below the level specified on the licence, the abstractor will be required to reduce or stop abstraction.

Impoundment: A structure that obstructs or impedes the flow of inland water, such as a dam, weir, or other constructed works.

Non consumptive abstraction: Abstraction where a significant proportion of the water is returned either directly or indirectly to the source of supply after use. For example, for hydropower.

Surface water: This is a general term used to describe all water features such as rivers, streams, springs, ponds, and lakes.

Water body: Units of either surface water or groundwater which we use to assess water availability.

Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations 2017 (referred to as the WFD Regulations 2017): Regulations that provide a framework for managing the water environment in England and Wales.