The Environment Agency: application made to abstract water
Published 28 January 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-environment-agency-npswr034018-application-made-to-abstract-water/the-environment-agency-application-made-to-abstract-water
Details of the application
The Environment Agency has applied to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for a licence. The application is for a transfer licence.
The Environment Agency is giving notice of this application in accordance with Section 37 of the Water Resources Act 1991 and Paragraph 2 of Schedule 2 of the Water Resources (Abstraction and Impounding) Regulations 2006.
Further details of the proposal are: water will be abstracted from the River Great Ouse at Earith, Cambridgeshire at National Grid Reference (NGR) TL 38879 74820 and piped under Earith Sluice to be discharged into the Old Bedford River (River Delph) at NGR TL 38888 74827. The fixed piped gravity system has been designed to operate at an average rate of 170 litres per second and at a maximum rate of 300 litres per second.
The purpose of the transfer is to move water into the River Delph at times of low dissolved oxygen, to reduce fish distress and mortality. The abstraction shall take place between 1 April and 31 October inclusive. The licence shall include a hands-off level condition to avoid abstraction occurring during periods of low flows in the River Great Ouse and a condition to ensure the transfer does not occur when levels are too high to prevent the flooding of downstream sites.
How to view the application
Please contact us via email or use the number below if you wish to see information contained on the public register.
How to comment on the application
Send any representation about this application in writing, quoting the reference number NPS/WR/034018 to the Environment Agency, at: the Permitting and Support Centre, Water Resources Team, Quadrant 2, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield, S9 4WF or by email to PSC-WaterResources@environment-agency.gov.uk
By 25 February 2026.
After the 25 February 2026, the Environment Agency will be able to grant a licence authorising the proposal. The licence shall be viewed as granted, unless the Secretary of State, either as a result of any representations made about the proposal or otherwise, instructs or asks for an application to be made to them.
For advice about how to make a representation call 03708 506 506.