Guidance

Water abstraction or impounding: comment on applications

A guide to making a representation about applications for licences to abstract (take) or impound (store) water.

• From: Environment Agency
• Published: 1 November 2008
• Last updated: 15 August 2025
  Show all updates

  1. 15 August 2025

     The PDF attachment has been replaced with an HTML attachment for improved accessibility. Added 'promote economic growth' to the list of responsibilities of the Environment Agency. Updated 'Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS)' to the 'Abstraction Licensing Strategy (ALS)' to reflect updated processes. Small change made to the application assessment process to state that the Environment Agency will 'assess all applications' to cover both new applications and variations. An email address has been added, to which you can also send your representation (PSC-WaterResources@environment-agency.gov.uk).

  2. 1 November 2008

     First published.

Applies to England

Documents

Water abstraction or impounding: comment on applications

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Anyone concerned about a proposal for an abstraction licence can make representations to the Environment Agency about it. A representation is written communication supporting, objecting to or commenting on a proposal. This guidance explains how you do this.