The Environment Agency: application made to abstract water
Published 4 June 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-environment-agency-npswr045812-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 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.
The application is for a new transfer licence for an eel pass in the River Lee at Hardmead Lock, Ware, Hertfordshire. Water will be abstracted at National Grid Reference TL 37034 13382 to allow eels through the eel pass and will be discharged at National Grid References TL 37036 13388 and TL 37060 13358 back into the River Lee.
Abstraction will take place all year at a maximum rate of;
- 63,318 cubic metres per year
- 173 cubic metres per day
- 7.2 cubic metres per hour
- At a rate of 2 litres per second
All water is returned to the same source of supply making this abstraction non-consumptive.
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/045812 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 2 July 2026.
After the 2 July 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.