Abstraction and Impoundment

The EC Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) requires that some form of control over water abstraction and impoundment be introduced to ensure achievement of the Directive’s objectives for water bodies.  Moreover, in response to an ongoing Habitats Directive (Council Directive for the conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora 92/43EEC) infraction case, Northern Ireland made a commitment to have an abstraction and impoundment control system in place by the end of 2006.

The Water Abstraction and Impoundment (Licensing) Regulations (Northen Ireland)2006

This legislation was made on 27 November 2006 and will come into operation on 01 February 2007.  The regulations may be viewed from, Abstraction impoundment NI Regs No 482.pdf (86KB) or may be obtained from the Stationery Office.

This document, Abstraction Consultation Responses.pdf (28KB) provides a summary of responses to the consultation on the draft regulations.

The Regulatory Impact Assessment (80KB) examines the costs and benefits associated with the making of the Water Abstraction and Impoundment (Licensing) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006.