River basin planning

Overview

Information on this page relates to the current river basin management plans (and the consultations leading to the update).

Information on the consultations leading up to the 2027 update will be available on this page when dates have been confirmed.

Water is a precious resource that we can’t live without, from supplying drinking water and supporting fisheries to providing an essential resource to business and agriculture, and a source of recreation.

Water pollution and drought threaten these things. Therefore, it is critical that our rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal areas, wetlands and groundwater are managed properly. This ensures the needs of society, the economy and environment can be met and maintained over the long-term.

River basin planning provides an overarching strategic framework for managing the water environment. River basin management plans include the objectives and measures required to protect and improve the water environment. Water and land resources are closely linked and so river basin management plans also inform decisions on land-use planning and work alongside other plans and strategies, such as flood risk management plans.

Why your views matter

The current river basin management plans were published in February 2016. The proposed updated plans, available to view on the government's website from 21 October 2022, has been informed by three consultations below, which started in 2018.

By responding to these consultations you have helped to shape the management of the water environment. The information gathered through these consultations helps us produce updates to the current river basin management plans.

We will also use your responses to help us consider how some of the current approaches to the management of water in England will need to change in response to a changing climate and a growing population.