Water Cycle Study Guidance docx
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How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
Water Cycle Study Guidance
The purpose of this document is to assist Local Authorities in commissioning water
cycle studies (WCS). It also provides useful information for water companies,
developers and other partners involved in water cycle studies to help them
understand why and when they should be part of a water cycle study.
It provides guidance on the purpose, scope and process for undertaking such
studies.
Water cycle studies always need to be adapted to local considerations, therefore this
guidance is not prescriptive. The approach this guidance sets out, however, forms
current best practice.
CONTENTS
We would welcome your comments on this guidance. Please email your comments to:
Click here for help in using this document
The Environment Agency would like to thank for their assistance in developing and producing this
guidance.
Product Code GEO0109BPFF-E-E
WHAT IS WATER CYCLE
PLANNING?
This section provides the policy basis for water cycle studies, and advises
why a water cycle study is needed, and how it will help stakeholders.
HOW DO I CARRY OUT A
WCS?
This section identifies when a water cycle study is needed, who needs to
be involved, and what needs to be done
SUPPORTING TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
This section provides detailed technical information on the different
elements of a water cycle study
CASE STUDIES & TOOLS
This section provides information from real life case studies, and some
example outputs from previous studies
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
DATA SOURCES
This section identifies what sources of information are available and should
be considered to inform the water cycle study
GLOSSARY
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
2
How to use this document
You can navigate around the document by using the links provided on each page. These links are
underlined.
Some images contain links. You can reach these links by clicking on the image.
The main sections of the guidance are shown below. To move between sections the links on the
left hand of every page can be used.
At the top of each page are links to navigate to the key stages in the water cycle process. Also, each
page contains links to relevant frequently asked questions and to more detailed guidance.
Use the contents table below, or the links at the top of the page to start.
CONTENTS
We would welcome your comments on this guidance. Please email your comments to:
WHAT IS WATER CYCLE
PLANNING?
This section provides the policy basis for water cycle studies, and advises
why a water cycle study is needed, and how it will help stakeholders.
HOW DO I CARRY OUT A
WCS?
This section identifies when a water cycle study is needed, who needs to
be involved, and what needs to be done
SUPPORTING TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
This section provides detailed technical information on the different
elements of a water cycle study
CASE STUDIES & TOOLS
This section provides information from real life case studies, and some
example outputs from previous studies
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
DATA SOURCES
This section identifies what sources of information are available and should
be considered to inform the water cycle study
GLOSSARY
Further information
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
IN THIS SECTION
Introduction
What is a water cycle
study?
Water cycle
planning policy
Why is a water cycle
study needed?
How do we make
development
sustainable?
What is the water
cycle?
When is a water cycle
study needed?
Integration with other
plans and policies
OTHER SECTIONS
1. WHAT IS WATER
CYCLE PLANNING?
2. HOW DO I CARRY
OUT A WCS?
3. SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
4. FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
5. CASE STUDIES &
TOOLS
6. DATA SOURCES
7. GLOSSARY
3
Introduction
The issue
Building new homes is not simply a matter of constructing the buildings themselves. To
operate effectively as a home, and as part of a wider community, each building is also
dependant on a range of services, and the infrastructure necessary to provide these. A critical
component of this infrastructure is associated with water; the provision of clean water for
drinking and washing; the safe disposal of waste water; and protection from flooding.
The addition of a small number of new homes may not represent a significant additional
burden on existing water infrastructure. However when large numbers of houses are built,
there is a risk that existing infrastructure will be overwhelmed, and both the environment and
people's quality of life, will suffer.
The Government has a long term target that 3 million new homes will be built by 2020
1
. This
will require the fastest rate of building since the late 1960s. Providing the required water
infrastructure for this degree of housing growth will require careful planning.
Planning for water
There is a finite capacity within the environment, and it cannot simply provide more and more
water. Equally, there is a limit to the amount of waste water that can be safely returned to our
rivers and the sea without having a detrimental impact on the environment. Furthermore, we
know that extreme rainfall can overwhelm drains and overtop flood defences. Climate change
is bringing fresh challenges as patterns of rainfall are predicted to change, with more intense
rainfall events. We must also make sure that water infrastructure contributes to the shift to a
low carbon economy that is essential if greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced. Planning
for water has to take into account these natural constraints, and factors such as the timing and
location imposed by the development itself.
The optimum solution for a given locality may be to adjust the location, timing or nature of new
development. For example, it may be more cost effective to improve the water efficiency of
new and existing houses rather than build a new water supply reservoir, or to build houses
outside of the floodplain rather than build costly flood protection.
A water cycle study will identify tensions between growth proposals and environmental
requirements, and identify potential solutions to addressing them. Effective planning and close
cooperation between all parties involved is essential to the success of a water cycle study.
One of the most important benefits of a WCS is that it allows all the key organisations to work
together in the planning process and builds confidence between parties.
A water cycle study (WCS) will help to plan for water more sustainably by:
• bringing together all partners and stakeholders existing knowledge, understanding and
skills;
• bringing together all water and planning evidence under a single framework;
• understanding the environmental and physical constraints to development;
• working alongside green infrastructure planning to identify opportunities for more
sustainable planning, and;
• identifying water cycle planning policies and a water cycle strategy to help all partners
plan for a sustainable future water environment.
Click here for more information on planning policy
and green infrastructure planning
Further information
1 Homes for the future: more affordable, more sustainable—Housing Green Paper
Further information
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
IN THIS SECTION
Introduction
What is a water cycle
study?
Water cycle
planning policy
Why is a water cycle
study needed?
How do we make
development
sustainable?
What is the water
cycle?
When is a water cycle
study needed?
Integration with other
plans and policies
OTHER SECTIONS
1. WHAT IS WATER
CYCLE PLANNING?
2. HOW DO I CARRY
OUT A WCS?
3. SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
4. FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
5. CASE STUDIES &
TOOLS
6. DATA SOURCES
7. GLOSSARY
Water cycle planning policy
Standards and legislation to protect water and the environment are changing in a way that requires
a partnership approach to deliver infrastructure through strategic ways of working. In particular,
Planning Policy Statements 1, 3, 12, 23 and 25
all emphasise the importance of environmental
sustainability and delivering water infrastructure to achieve it.
In the UK*, we can experience both periods of drought and extensive flooding. This, coupled with
forecast population growth and the potential impact of climate change, has led to an increased
emphasis on integrated water management in regional spatial strategies and emerging guidance
from the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Department of
Communities and Local Government (DCLG).
Future Water
Future Water (published February 2008) sets out the Government’s vision for water in England in
2030. The strategy sets out an integrated approach to the sustainable management of all aspects of
the water cycle, from rainfall and drainage, through to treatment and discharge. The strategy
focuses on practical ways to achieve the vision to ensure sustainable use of water from the
perspective of people, businesses and the environment. Specific aspects of the water sector
considered in Future Water are:
• Water demand;
• Water supply;
• Water quality, and
• Flooding (river, coastal, surface water and groundwater flooding).
The strategy also sets out the vision to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and discusses the regulatory
framework for the water industry.
It looks at the adaptability of our water environment to climate change and other pressures on the
water cycle. The aim is to ensure sustainable delivery of water supplies, and help improve the
water environment for future generations.
Making space for water
Making Space for Water (MSfW), launched in 2004, outlines the Government strategy for the next
20 years to implement a more holistic approach to managing flood and coastal erosion risks in
England.
The policy aims to reduce the threat of flooding to people and property, and to deliver the greatest
environmental, social and economic benefit. MSfW considers all sources of flooding in determining
flood risk, and ensures that climate change becomes a fundamental part of flood and coastal
erosion management decisions. The holistic approach considered by MSfW includes:
• Better management of risk;
• Land use planning through the planning system (including PPS25);
• Environmental issues such as creation of wetland, and managed realignment;
• Integrated Urban Drainage (IUD) management, and;
• Coastal issues.
River Basin Management Plans
In England, River Basin Management Plans will identify what needs to be done by the Environment
Agency and others to implement a Programme of Measures to achieve ‘good status’ (ecological,
chemical and physical) in designated water bodies. The first Plan is in preparation for completion by
2015. Click here for more information on river basin management plans
.
Planning portal—a useful guide to the planning system, planning reform, and the local development framework process
Future Water
*
This guidance document, and the policies it describes relates specifically to England. Whilst the document is not directly applicable to Wales because
of the different planning framework, the principles underlying a water cycle study are relevant to Wales
Further information
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
IN THIS SECTION
Introduction
What is a water cycle
study?
Water cycle
planning policy
Why is a water cycle
study needed?
How do we make
development
sustainable?
What is the water
cycle?
When is a water cycle
study needed?
Integration with other
plans and policies
OTHER SECTIONS
1. WHAT IS WATER
CYCLE PLANNING?
2. HOW DO I CARRY
OUT A WCS?
3. SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
4. FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
5. CASE STUDIES &
TOOLS
6. DATA SOURCES
7. GLOSSARY
5
Water cycle planning policy
Planning policy statements and planning policy guidance
Planning policy in the UK is set by Planning Policy Statements (PPSs) formerly called Planning
Policy Guidance Notes (PPGs). They explain statutory guidelines and advise local authorities and
others on planning policy and operation of the planning system.
PPSs also explain the relationship between planning policies and other policies which have an
important bearing on issues of development and land use. Planners must take these into account
in preparing development plans. The guidance may also be relevant to decisions on individual
planning applications and appeals.
A water cycle study will help balance the requirements of the various planning policy documents,
and ensure that land-use planning and water cycle infrastructure provision is sustainable. The
most relevant PPSs to water cycle studies are:
PPS1 – Delivering sustainable development
Planning and Climate Change: Supplement to PPS1
PPS3 – Housing
PPS9 – Biodiversity and Geological Conservation
PPS12 – Local Spatial Planning
PPS23 – Planning and pollution control
PPS25 – Development and flood risk
There is also a draft PPS on ecotowns
, which at the time of writing is undergoing consultation.
Planning portal
—a useful guide to the planning system, planning reform, and the local development framework process
Future Water
Code for Sustainable homes
Code for Sustainable Homes
The Code for Sustainable Homes has been introduced to drive a step-change in sustainable
home building practice. On the 27 February 2008 the Government confirmed a mandatory
rating against the Code will be implemented from 1 May 2008.
The Code measures the sustainability of a new home against nine categories of sustainable
design, rating the 'whole home' as a complete package. The Code uses a 1 to 6 star rating
system to communicate the overall sustainability performance of a new home. The Code sets
minimum standards for energy and water use at each level and, within England, replaces the
EcoHomes scheme, developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE).
Click here for more information on the Code for Sustainable Homes.
Further information
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
IN THIS SECTION
Introduction
What is a water cycle
study?
Water cycle
planning policy
Why is a water cycle
study needed?
How do we make
development
sustainable?
What is the water
cycle?
When is a water cycle
study needed?
Integration with other
plans and policies
OTHER SECTIONS
1. WHAT IS WATER
CYCLE PLANNING?
2. HOW DO I CARRY
OUT A WCS?
3. SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
4. FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
5. CASE STUDIES &
TOOLS
6. DATA SOURCES
7. GLOSSARY
6
The need for sustainable development
Sustainable development is central to the updated planning system. The aim of a Sustainability
Appraisal (SA) – compulsory under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 - is to promote
sustainable development. This is achieved by looking at social, environmental and economic factors
when creating or revising Regional Spatial Strategies (RSS), Development Plan Documents (DPD),
and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD).
When building housing and other development, it is important to ensure that the development is
sustainable
. If development proceeds at the scale planned in some regions without due
consideration given to water infrastructure requirements this could result in infrastructure which
cannot meet the increase in demands, and an environment which may become less sustainable.
To prevent such problems factors such as surface water drainage and flood risk, water resource,
water supply, sewerage infrastructure, wastewater treatment and water quality need to be
considered in a holistic, integrated way. The energy requirement and carbon footprint of new
development should also be considered.
In order for new homes to be sustainable planners and regulators need to make four things
happen:
• GETTING THE LOCATION RIGHT: The need to avoid building homes in places that we will
regret. Of particular concern is the location of housing in areas of flood risk or coastal erosion,
or where water quality and water resources are already at, or approaching, environmental
limits.
• LONG TERM PLANNING FRAMEWORKS: To ensure a long term planning framework exists
for all types of environmental infrastructure.
• DEMAND MANAGEMENT: To promote more ways of managing and reducing the demand for
new environmental infrastructure.
• FUNDING DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND INCENTIVES: Clear funding streams, with costs
allocated to polluters, developers, consumers and the taxpayer on clear and evidence-based
principles.
Achieving these four actions requires strong planning decisions and strong planning policies; a water
cycle study provides the evidence base to make appropriate planning decisions and set policies.
Click here for more information on how to determine the most sustainable options
Click here for examples of sustainable development
It is recommended that a water cycle study includes a sustainability assessment
of water cycle
options. This will provide an evidence base for all partners that their proposals are sustainable.
How do you determine the most sustainable options?
Further information
Environment Agency policy brief: Environmental Infrastructure
Further information
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
IN THIS SECTION
Introduction
What is a water cycle
study?
Water cycle
planning policy
Why is a water cycle
study needed?
How do we make
development
sustainable?
What is the water
cycle?
When is a water cycle
study needed?
Integration with other
plans and policies
OTHER SECTIONS
1. WHAT IS WATER
CYCLE PLANNING?
2. HOW DO I CARRY
OUT A WCS?
3. SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
4. FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
5. CASE STUDIES &
TOOLS
6. DATA SOURCES
7. GLOSSARY
7
What is a water cycle study (WCS)?
A water cycle study is:
• a method for determining what sustainable water infrastructure is required and where
and when it is needed;
• a risk based approach ensuring that town and country planning makes best use of
environmental capacity and opportunities, and adapts to environmental constraints;
• a way for all stakeholders to have their say, preventing any unexpected obstacles to
growth;
• the process that brings all the available knowledge and information together to help
make better, more integrated, risk based planning decisions, and
• a way of ensuring compliance with BERR’s "Regulators’ Compliance Code"
to ensure
that risk assessment precedes and informs all aspects of their approaches to regulatory
activity.
Much of the data and information required for a water cycle study will already exist within the
organisations who have responsibility for operating, regulating and managing the water
environment (e.g. SFRAs). The Environment Agency, water companies and other
organisations have spent millions of pounds over the recent decades gathering data, analysing
and modelling the water environment. One of the key benefits of a partnership approach is
unlocking this information and knowledge and making it available.
Water cycle study objectives
An effective water cycle study and strategy will achieve the following objectives:
1. urban development only occurs within environmental constraints;
2. urban development occurs in the most sustainable location taking;
3. water cycle infrastructure is in place before development, and;
4. opportunities for more sustainable infrastructure options have been realised.
BERR “Regulators Compliance Code”
Water Cycle Management for New Developments (WaND)
Further information
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
IN THIS SECTION
Introduction
What is a water cycle
study?
Water cycle
planning policy
Why is a water cycle
study needed?
How do we make
development
sustainable?
What is the water
cycle?
When is a water cycle
study needed?
Integration with other
plans and policies
OTHER SECTIONS
1. WHAT IS WATER
CYCLE PLANNING?
2. HOW DO I CARRY
OUT A WCS?
3. SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
4. FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
5. CASE STUDIES &
TOOLS
6. DATA SOURCES
7. GLOSSARY
8
Why is a water cycle study needed?
The planning and water cycle management processes work side by side. Both processes
require information and data from the other, so they work best when they happen at the same
time and when organisations work together.
The effect of development on the water environment
forms a key part of the Sustainability
Appraisal (SA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), required under the Core
Strategy process. As part of the Core Strategy a WCS will give planning authorities a robust
evidence base to assess this. It identifies and assesses risk, investigates all the options and
issues, and helps decide which option/s will best support the Core Strategy and related
policies.
The WCS provides the evidence base for setting out allocations, phasing of development,
developer contributions and further guidance. Since all the organisations work in partnership
to carry out the WCS, each partner is more likely to be committed to delivering the resulting
Water Cycle Strategy.
By involving key organisations in the growth process at an early stage, a water cycle study
will:
• show early on if the predicted environmental capacity can accommodate
development, taking into account climate change and sustainable standards;
• provide supporting evidence for the development of the Core Strategy;
• identify immediate funding and longer-term maintenance costs, and enable these to
be factored into the planning process at an early stage;
• build relationships between key organisations;
• produce a robust, evidence-based water cycle strategy, and;
• support the SEA in providing an evidence base.
A water cycle study benefits all of the partners involved. The main benefits for the principal
organisations involved are listed here
Water cycle infrastructure options can have benefits for many different aspects of the water
cycle. For example, a well designed sustainable drainage system could have wider benefits
for flood risk management, water quality protection, biodiversity, health and recreation, and
water resource management. However, it is often difficult to achieve the multiple benefits
under the traditional planning approach, because of complex stakeholder responsibilities
and
priorities.
A water cycle study will promote options that have multiple uses and provide multiple benefits
through engagement of all the water cycle stakeholders.
Click here for more information
and examples of sustainable masterplanning
The integrated water cycle &
achieving multiple benefits
Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessments
Water Cycle Management for New Developments (WaND)
Further information
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
IN THIS SECTION
Introduction
What is a water cycle
study?
Water cycle
planning policy
Why is a water cycle
study needed?
How do we make
development
sustainable?
What is the water
cycle?
When is a water cycle
study needed?
Integration with other
plans and policies
OTHER SECTIONS
1. WHAT IS WATER
CYCLE PLANNING?
2. HOW DO I CARRY
OUT A WCS?
3. SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
4. FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
5. CASE STUDIES &
TOOLS
6. DATA SOURCES
7. GLOSSARY
9
The water cycle
Water cycle processes
The water cycle includes the processes and systems that collect, store, or transport water in the
environment. Water cycle processes are both above and below ground level, and can be either
natural or man-made. In an undeveloped area, the water cycle includes rainfall landing on the
ground, where it is either transferred into above ground streams, rivers, wetlands, floodplains,
and estuaries to the sea, or is absorbed into the soil, ending up in groundwater storage aquifers.
The cycle is completed by evaporation from these systems back into the atmosphere.
In a developed area, the natural processes and systems are sometimes adapted for
development or public health reasons. For example, water is taken from rivers, treated, and
piped via water supply systems into urban areas. Wastewater produced by houses is collected
in a below ground sewerage system, where it is transported to a wastewater treatment works
before being discharged to the sea, rivers or to groundwater.
The natural processes are extremely important for wildlife and ecology, and even man made
systems can have biodiversity and wildlife interest. It is important than when building new
homes, or even redeveloping existing areas we understand the impact on the natural
environment.
Green infrastructure planning
A strategy to manage important wildlife and recreation land is a major component of any
sustainable development. We refer to these areas as green infrastructure, which comprise a
wide range of linked existing and new green spaces and similar environmental assets, both
public and private. Along with key roles in protecting biodiversity and providing for recreation, a
green infrastructure performs an essential role in the protection and management of natural
resources, including air quality, soils and especially the storage and drainage of water.
Major parts of the natural hydrological system for a given area, notably rivers and their corridors
and floodplains, should be prominent parts of any strategically planned, managed and
protected green infrastructure. This is especially important in an urban context where
undeveloped green spaces and fully functional water courses are needed to absorb the run off
from buildings and roads, prevent flooding and maintain the water table beneath the settlement
at an optimum level.
It is therefore vital that water cycle studies integrate with green infrastructure strategies where
they exist. Where they do not exist, it is important that the WCS is carried with full regard to
existing green infrastructure, and that it identifies opportunities to expand and strengthen the
capacity of a green infrastructure network to underpin water management whilst also delivering
other environmental and social benefits.
Water Cycle Management for New Developments (WaND) is a collection of guidance and tools that helps stakeholders
sustainably masterplan new developments.
Green infrastructure planning
guidance
Examples of green infrastructure planning
Further information
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
IN THIS SECTION
Introduction
What is a water cycle
study?
Water cycle
planning policy
Why is a water cycle
study needed?
How do we make
development
sustainable?
What is the water
cycle?
When is a water cycle
study needed?
Integration with other
plans and policies
OTHER SECTIONS
1. WHAT IS WATER
CYCLE PLANNING?
2. HOW DO I CARRY
OUT A WCS?
3. SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
4. FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
5. CASE STUDIES &
TOOLS
6. DATA SOURCES
7. GLOSSARY
10
Our impact on the water cycle
The water that we drink is abstracted from rivers and from aquifers and then treated to a very
high standard before entering our water supply systems.
As population and demand for water grows, more water is taken from the environment, and this
can have a significant impact on biodiversity, and on the recreational value of the water
environment. Additionally, more energy is used to treat and transport the water as demand
increases. Once it reaches the household, water is used in many different ways, including
washing, flushing toilets, drinking and cooking before, discharging it into our drains.
Our wastewater drains into the foul or wastewater network, from where it flows to wastewater
treatment works (WwTWs) via sewers and pumping stations, again often using energy. At the
WwTW, the waste is treated to a high standard to remove pollutants and discharged to our rivers
and seas.
The more water that is treated at a WwTW, the greater the potential impact of the treated
wastewater discharged on the receiving watercourses. This in turn requires higher levels of
treatment at the WwTWs to prevent further environmental deterioration, using additional energy
and chemicals. Furthermore, increased flows from WwTW can also increase the risk of river
flooding downstream of the works.
Sustainable water cycle planning policies, water cycle management for new developments and
green infrastructure planning can help ensure that development locations and water
infrastructure not only prevent the deterioration of the water cycle environment, but actively
improve it.
Click here for more information and examples
Green infrastructure planning
Examples of sustainable water cycle management in practice
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
11
Infrastructure
Infrastructure capacity is the ability of
the water supply system (abstraction,
reservoirs and supply networks) to
provide the water required for homes
and businesses
e.g. water treatment works, pumping
stations, distribution reservoir/tower,
local distribution network
Environmental
Environmental capacity is the
amount of water that can be
abstracted before
unacceptable environmental
impacts occur
e.g. impact of abstraction on
low flows and ecology, and
water quality
What do we mean by water cycle capacity?
WATER RESOURCES AND WATER SUPPLY
Environmental
Environmental capacity is the required
water quality to protect aquatic and
wildlife environments
e.g. Water quality standards required
to protect wildlife, WwTW consents,
storm discharge consents
Infrastructure
Infrastructure capacity is the ability of the
wastewater system to collect, transport and
treat wastewater from homes and
businesses
e.g. Sewers, sewage pumping stations,
sewer mains, wastewater treatment works
WASTEWATER COLLECTION AND TREATMENT
FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT
Flood risk must be managed through
compliance with PPS25. New
development should be directed away from
areas of highest risk. Where this is not
possible, flood resilience measures may be
required, and flood risk elsewhere must not
be increased. Opportunities should be
sought for multiple benefits such as
restoring floodplain and improving ecology.
Water cycle and environmental capacity will differ from area to area, and the scoping study will need to identify what the
environmental capacity issues are at an early stage. The diagram below will help you think about the kinds of capacity
issues you should be considering
Further information
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
IN THIS SECTION
Introduction
What is a water cycle
study?
Water cycle
planning policy
Why is a water cycle
study needed?
How do we make
development
sustainable?
What is the water
cycle?
When is a water cycle
study needed?
Integration with other
plans and policies
OTHER SECTIONS
1. WHAT IS WATER
CYCLE PLANNING?
2. HOW DO I CARRY
OUT A WCS?
3. SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
4. FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
5. CASE STUDIES &
TOOLS
6. DATA SOURCES
7. GLOSSARY
12
When is a water cycle study needed?
A water cycle study is required if:
• the development area is a proposed eco-town;
• it is a condition of growth point status, and;
• it is a requirement of the regional spatial strategy or Core Strategy.
In all other cases, a water cycle study is recommended if any of the following conditions are met:
• the scale of growth proposed by regional or local planning is significant
when compared to
the existing urban development. As a guide, we consider a 5% increase in new
development during the time horizon of the Core Strategy to be significant;
• the Environment Agency or other partners raise doubts about the environmental capacity
of the water cycle to cope with proposed development;
• the water company identifies there are constraints over funding, or putting new
infrastructure in place to meet the development framework;
A full water cycle study, including all of the three stages, may not be necessary. The scoping
study will identify if an outline study is needed. An outline study will identify if a detailed study is
needed.
Further information
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
IN THIS SECTION
Introduction
What is a water cycle
study?
Water cycle
planning policy
Why is a water cycle
study needed?
How do we make
development
sustainable?
What is the water
cycle?
When is a water cycle
study needed?
Integration with other
plans and policies
OTHER SECTIONS
1. WHAT IS WATER
CYCLE PLANNING?
2. HOW DO I CARRY
OUT A WCS?
3. SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
4. FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
5. CASE STUDIES &
TOOLS
6. DATA SOURCES
7. GLOSSARY
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
Water cycle study stages
A water cycle study is normally broken down into three stages as shown below. These three
stages are designed to provide the level of detail that the local development framework needs at
the appropriate time.
If a WCS is undertaken early enough in the Core Strategy and site allocation process, its findings
can influence the location of development and make best use of the available environmental and
infrastructure capacity.
Not all of these stages are always needed, and the timing of stages may need to be altered to fit
in with local circumstances. Therefore it is advisable to form the water cycle study group as early
as possible to agree what needs to be delivered at the different stages of the planning process.
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
Further information
IN THIS SECTION
How do I carry out a
scoping study?
How do I carry out an
outline study?
How do I carry out a
detailed study?
How do I implement the
strategy?
OTHER SECTIONS
1. WHAT IS WATER
CYCLE PLANNING?
2. HOW DO I CARRY
OUT A WCS?
3. SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
4. FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
5. CASE STUDIES &
TOOLS
6. DATA SOURCES
7. GLOSSARY
14
Scoping study
A Scoping Study should reflect the targets of the RSS, and be carried out at a very early stage in
the development of the Core Strategy.
The purpose of a scoping study is to:
• set up a water cycle steering group: confirm the relevant partners and their responsibilities;
• define the study area;
• identify what studies have already been carried out and what data are available;
• confirm development scenarios and planning data;
• identify the objectives of the WCS and which plans and strategies it will be used to inform and
draw from;
• identify if further work is needed to inform strategic planning decisions;
• agree a project scope and project plan for further work if needed;
• identify sources of funding for future phases of work if needed, and;
• assess the flexibility of development plans regarding location and other options.
It is likely that a suitably qualified consultant will need to be appointed to carry out the scoping
study, unless the local authority has the necessary technical resources.
Scoping study output
The end result of a scoping study is a report providing a summary of the available information
relating to the water environment within the study area. Experience has indicated that the best
way to analyse and store much of this information is in a Geographical Information System (GIS).
You do not need to carry out detailed modelling or technical analysis during the scoping
study. It is likely that the Environment Agency and the water companies will have carried out
some high level analyses on environmental capacity and major infrastructure capacity. These can
be used to identify the key issues. If there is no strong evidence that there is sufficient
infrastructure capacity for new development, it should be assumed at this stage that there is no
capacity.
One aim of a scoping study is to assess the difficulty of providing new infrastructure; an example
of this would be assessing the difficulty or inconvenience caused by providing new infrastructure
in built up areas.
Sometimes, the high level constraints won’t be evident at this stage. This knowledge gap in itself
is an outcome of the scoping study and shows what needs to be investigated in further studies.
Alternatively, in some cases the scoping study may identify that no further work is needed at that
point in time. This in itself is useful, and would form scoping study output.
An example flow chart showing how to undertake a scoping study is shown here.
Detailed technical information on what each stage of a water cycle study should provide for the
major water cycle elements can be found by following the links to the left.
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
Further information
IN THIS SECTION
How do I carry out a
scoping study?
How do I carry out an
outline study?
How do I carry out a
detailed study?
How do I implement the
strategy?
OTHER SECTIONS
1. WHAT IS WATER
CYCLE PLANNING?
2. HOW DO I CARRY
OUT A WCS?
3. SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
4. FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
5. CASE STUDIES &
TOOLS
6. DATA SOURCES
7. GLOSSARY
15
Scoping study process
This flow chart is provided as an example. It is important that the outline study process is amended
to reflect local issues. The scope and process for each WCS should be agreed in partnership with
the water cycle steering group.
N
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
Further information
IN THIS SECTION
How do I carry out a
scoping study?
How do I carry out an
outline study?
How do I carry out a
detailed study?
How do I implement the
strategy?
OTHER SECTIONS
1. WHAT IS WATER
CYCLE PLANNING?
2. HOW DO I CARRY
OUT A WCS?
3. SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
4. FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
5. CASE STUDIES &
TOOLS
6. DATA SOURCES
7. GLOSSARY
16
Much of the data and analysis required to carry out the outline study will already be available.
This phase should not normally require additional detailed modelling or analysis to support the
assessment. Its focus should be on gathering and assessing the data available, identifying the
environmental and major infrastructure constraints, and deciding where further detailed
assessment is needed.
The outline study will:
• identify environmental risks and constraints;
• identify if environmental resources can cope with further development;
• identify if the development would overload the existing infrastructure;
• identify if major new systems are needed to allow development;
• help you pinpoint if there is water cycle capacity for new development without
needing to build major new infrastructure, and;
• provide the evidence base for the local planning authority’s Core Strategy
• provide an outline water cycle strategy agreed by all partners, where appropriate.
If the outline study does not reveal any irresolvable problems, objections by the Environment
Agency and other regulators may be lifted, provided there is also agreement on the funding and
provision of any required measures.
On the contrary, the outline study may identify that are constraints or objections that cannot be
resolved unless the location or phasing of development is subject to further testing.
The outline study may also indicate the need for more detailed assessments to be carried out
before new development can be approved. These will need to be assessed during a detailed
WCS.
If an environmental risk assessment is not completed by the time the core strategy is
submitted, there is an increased likelihood that it will face objections or be rejected. The same
is true for an infrastructure capacity assessment and the site specific allocations Development
Planning Document (DPD). The level of detail in the outline study should therefore be sufficient
to satisfy the water company, Environment Agency and the planning inspectorate of the points
listed above.
Detailed technical information on what each stage of a water cycle study should provide for the
can be found in Section 3: Supporting Technical Information
.
An example flowchart of an outline water cycle study is available here. Click here to view an
example flowchart of the Outline Water Cycle Study process
Outline study
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
Further information
IN THIS SECTION
How do I carry out a
scoping study?
How do I carry out an
outline study?
How do I carry out a
detailed study?
How do I implement the
strategy?
OTHER SECTIONS
1. WHAT IS WATER
CYCLE PLANNING?
2. HOW DO I CARRY
OUT A WCS?
3. SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
4. FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
5. CASE STUDIES &
TOOLS
6. DATA SOURCES
7. GLOSSARY
17
The output of the outline water cycle study should be a strategy or report which answers the
following questions:
• Is there enough water? Has the water company’s twin track approach
to water resources
made sure that there is enough water available to serve the projected growth levels?
• Will there be a water quality impact? Can the existing sewerage and wastewater
treatment networks cope with the increased load, and can the environment cope with the
resulting increased flow and pollutant loads from the treated effluent? If not, are there
alternative discharge locations that will not cause a failure of water quality targets? Is
there an increased risk of storm water overflows causing an adverse water quality
impact?
• Can development be accommodated without increasing flood risk? The outline WCS
needs to work alongside the SFRA, and identify if there is there sufficient land at low risk
of flooding for all the proposed development. Will rain water be adequately managed to
prevent surface water flooding in the development or elsewhere? Will increased
discharge from WwTWs increase flood risk?
• Are there other location specific environmental risks that need to be considered, for
example relating to biodiversity or conservation requirements?
• What constraints are there on increasing capacity? The outline study needs to
summarise the answers to the questions above and identify where there are
environmental or infrastructure constraints.
• What opportunities are there for changing proposed development location? The outline
study needs to inform core strategy decisions, and compare major infrastructure
provision for different options for development.
• Are there outstanding concerns about infrastructure provision that need to be addressed
in a detailed WCS?
Click here for more information on what
information an outline WCS will provide
How do I carry out an outline study?
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
Further information
IN THIS SECTION
How do I carry out a
scoping study?
How do I carry out an
outline study?
How do I carry out a
detailed study?
How do I implement the
strategy?
OTHER SECTIONS
1. WHAT IS WATER
CYCLE PLANNING?
2. HOW DO I CARRY
OUT A WCS?
3. SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
4. FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
5. CASE STUDIES &
TOOLS
6. DATA SOURCES
7. GLOSSARY
18
Outline study process
This flow chart is provided as an example. It is important that the outline study process is
amended to reflect local issues. The scope and process for each WCS should be agreed in
partnership with the water cycle steering group.
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
Proposed new development
How many houses are planned by when?
What commercial development is
planned?
Environmental opportunities
Are we making the most of our new
development?
Are there multi-use options that will provide
water resources, flood risk management and
water quality benefits?
Examples shown
Green roofs and permeable road surfaces for
new developments
SUDS designed to provide green infrastructure
and biodiversity benefits as well as surface water
flood risk and water quality management
Environment capacity
Is there capacity in existing
licences for development?
Will existing licence remain
valid?
Can we reduce abstraction by
better management practices?
Infrastructure capacity
If new major infrastructure (reservoirs,
water treatment works, boreholes) are
needed, can they be provided in time,
can they be funded, and are they
sustainable?
WATER RESOURCES AND WATER SUPPLY
Environmental capacity
Is there volumetric capacity in existing
effluent discharge consent for growth?
Will discharge consent be valid to meet
future standard (e.g. WFD)?
Will additional discharge be allowed if
there is no additional environmental
capacity to assimilate it?
Infrastructure capacity
If new major infrastructure
(wastewater treatment works,
major pumping mains or
sewer mains) are needed, can
they be provided in time, and
can they be funded?
WASTEWATER COLLECTION AND TREATMENT
What information will an outline water cycle study provide?
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
Further information
IN THIS SECTION
How do I carry out a
scoping study?
How do I carry out an
outline study?
How do I carry out a
detailed study?
How do I implement the
strategy?
OTHER SECTIONS
1. WHAT IS WATER
CYCLE PLANNING?
2. HOW DO I CARRY
OUT A WCS?
3. SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
4. FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
5. CASE STUDIES &
TOOLS
6. DATA SOURCES
7. GLOSSARY
20
Detailed study
A detailed water cycle study works alongside the latter stages of the Core Strategy
development process, and will lead to a water cycle strategy which;
• identifies what water cycle management measures and infrastructure are required, and
where and when they are needed;
• identifies who is responsible for providing the systems, and by what deadline, and;
• guides planners and developers on site specific requirements (for example SuDS
requirements).
The outline study should have gained ‘in principle’ agreement to the Core Strategy. However, it is
likely to have identified areas of uncertainty where further work is required. The detailed study will
need to resolve these areas of uncertainty.
A detailed study may not be necessary for every WCS. If the scoping study and outline study
have not identified any environmental risks, or major infrastructure needs, a full study may not be
needed. However, experience has shown that a detailed study may find a more cost effective and
sustainable solution to providing infrastructure, managing demand, and improving environmental
quality.
The precise requirements of the detailed study will be different for each location, depending on
the proposed development, area characteristics, and existing systems. It is important that the
requirements for the detailed study are clearly outlined in the scoping phase and outline study.
A detailed study will:
• complete any detailed assessments identified in the outline study;
• establish minimum design standards to be applied to new developments to ensure a
sustainable and integrated water cycle;
• carry out a sustainability analysis of development options and water cycle infrastructure;
• provide a detailed framework for the sustainable provision of infrastructure including a
timeline of requirements (the water cycle strategy);
• help ensure that water cycle infrastructure will be funded and implemented in a timely
manner;
• inform supplementary planning guidance, and;
• provide the basis for a financial mechanism for developer contributions, or a ‘reasonable
prospect’ of infrastructure provision to link planning conditions.
An example process flowchart for carrying out a detailed study and devising a water cycle
strategy can be found by following this link
.
Click here for a case study of a detailed water cycle strategy
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
Further information
IN THIS SECTION
How do I carry out a
scoping study?
How do I carry out an
outline study?
How do I carry out a
detailed study?
How do I implement the
strategy?
OTHER SECTIONS
1. WHAT IS WATER
CYCLE PLANNING?
2. HOW DO I CARRY
OUT A WCS?
3. SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
4. FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
5. CASE STUDIES &
TOOLS
6. DATA SOURCES
7. GLOSSARY
21
Detailed study process
Is there infrastructure
capacity for development?
Can capacity be created in the
existing infrastructure by managing
demand?
Develop preferred solution and timeline for
provision of infrastructure
Is funding available through
traditional sources to provide
required infrastructure ?
Investigate potential alternative funding
options for infrastructure and develop
funding mechanism
Can funding be made
available from other sources
to provide infrastructure ?
Detailed Water Cycle Strategy
Comprising:
Infrastructure timeline for most sustainable
infrastructure options
Identification of funding or revenue streams for
required infrastructure
Evidence base for Core Strategy preferred
options and site allocations DPD sustainability
appraisal
Guidance for developers on minimum
standards and best practice
Guidelines / developer checklist to assist LPA
make planning decisions
Is it technically feasible to
provide infrastructure in time?
Investigate options for provision of
infrastructure to facilitate development
Confirm development scenarios to be
assessed (these would normally be the
Core strategy preferred options by the
stage, or the sites to be tested for the Site
Allocations DPD)
Is the solution identified the
most sustainable solution?
Assess sustainability of infrastructure and
mitigation options
Does infrastructure meet future
needs (eg climate change)
Review development scenarios
being tested
Are plans (and funding) in place to
provide infrastructure?
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
NNN
N
N
Identify alternative sustainable solution
N
This flow chart is provided as an example. It is important that the outline study process is amended to
reflect local issues. The scope and process for each WCS should be agreed in partnership with the
water cycle steering group.
N
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
Further information
IN THIS SECTION
How do I carry out a
scoping study?
How do I carry out an
outline study?
How do I carry out a
detailed study?
How do I implement the
strategy?
OTHER SECTIONS
1. WHAT IS WATER
CYCLE PLANNING?
2. HOW DO I CARRY
OUT A WCS?
3. SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
4. FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
5. CASE STUDIES &
TOOLS
6. DATA SOURCES
7. GLOSSARY
22
Implementation
As planning applications are received, it is important that the planned water cycle infrastructure,
identified in the water cycle strategy, is still needed and either already in place, or on target for
delivery by the time it is needed.
Therefore the water cycle strategy needs to be reviewed on a regular basis to make sure that is:
• consistent with any policy changes;
• consistent with housing delivery and strategic housing numbers;
• consistent with any changes to the River Basin Management Plan, and;
• consistent with changes to the water companies 25 year strategic direction statement;
changes to their SWRMP and to changes in their business plan
It is recommended that the water cycle strategy is reviewed every five years, alongside the review
of the Core Strategy.
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
Further information
IN THIS SECTION
SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
Flood risk
management
Surface water
management planning
Water resources
Wastewater and water
quality
Water Framework
Directive and River
Basin Planning
Urban Pollution
Management
OTHER SECTIONS
1. WHAT IS WATER
CYCLE
PLANNING?
2. HOW DO I CARRY
OUT A WCS?
3. SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
4. FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
5. CASE STUDIES &
TOOLS
6. DATA SOURCES
7. GLOSSARY
Flood risk management
There are several pieces of information which may need to be referred to in the WCS:
• Planning Policy Statement 25 - development and flood risk
• The catchment flood management plan (CFMP)
• The regional flood risk appraisal (RFRA)
• Defra Coastal Defence Appraisal Guidance for climate change impacts (for coastal locations)
• Shoreline Management Plans (for coastal locations)
• The strategic flood risk assessment (SFRA)
• The surface water management plan (SWMP)
• The water companies’ drainage area plan (DAP)
• Internal Drainage Board administration area map*
The outline study will need to confirm that proposed development is within environmental
capacity, and that in principle, it will not increase flood risk within the development or elsewhere.
It will need to:
• Help direct development away from areas of high flood or coastal erosion risk.
• Help determine whether a surface water management plan is required to provide a
strategic approach to surface water drainage, groundwater flooding, and flood risk
management.
• Allow the Environment Agency to agree ‘in principle’ that the Local Development
Framework Core Strategy policies are compliant with PPS25.
• Identify the need and opportunities for options that produce multiple benefits. For
example restoring a river and floodplain upstream of a town or city will improve the
ecological quality of the receiving water, provide amenities and open space, as well as
reducing existing flood risk.
• Ensure that climate change impacts on flood risk and sea level rise are taken into
account in spatial planning.
• Provide high level policies and advice for developers where necessary.
If there are multiple sources of flooding (such as combined surface water drainage and river
flooding), it is likely that a surface water management plan
will be required. This would form part
of the development of a detailed water cycle strategy and determine the need for strategic flood
risk solutions. At the time of writing (November 2008) guidance on how to undertake surface
water management plans was being produced (see below).
It is important to identify the scope of the surface water management plan at an early stage, and
to develop the plan as part of, or alongside a detailed WCS.
The detailed study will need to:
• fill any information gaps identified in the outline study;
• work with or carry out an exception test to provide justification if homes are proposed to
be built in areas of higher flood risk, and;
• work with, or carry out a surface water management plan where required.
* Internal Drainage Boards are responsible for managing ordinary water courses in IDB controlled areas. This map
identifies the IDB controlled areas. For more information visit www.ada.org.uk
Click here for a link to Defra’s consultation on “Improving Surface Water Drainage”.
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
Further information
IN THIS SECTION
SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
Flood risk
management
Surface water
management planning
Water resources
Wastewater and water
quality
Water Framework
Directive and River
Basin Planning
Urban Pollution
Management
OTHER SECTIONS
1. WHAT IS WATER
CYCLE
PLANNING?
2. HOW DO I CARRY
OUT A WCS?
3. SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
4. FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
5. CASE STUDIES &
TOOLS
6. DATA SOURCES
7. GLOSSARY
24
Surface water management plans
Surface Water Management Plans (SWMPs) can be defined as the tool to manage surface water
flood risk on a local basis by improving and optimising coordination between relevant stakeholders.
SWMPs will build on SFRAs and provide the vehicle for local organisations to develop a shared
understanding of surface water flood risk, including setting out priorities for action, maintenance
needs and links into LDFs and emergency plans (Pitt review, 2008).
Currently guidance is being produced by Defra on how to undertake
SWMPs (click on the image to view larger version of SWMP process). For
more information on surface water management please follow the link
below
( />)
There are linkages between a WCS and a SWMP, and a SWMP can be
part of a detailed WCS if the need is identified (click here
view linkages
between a WCS and SWMP). Flood risk management is principally concerned with reducing
existing flood risk and effectively managing flood risk from new developments.
A WCS is predominantly concerned with ensuring sustainable new development. In the case of
surface water flood risk a WCS should seek to effectively master plan surface water runoff from
new development so as not to increase flood risk or to reduce flood risk. Where a WCS does not
identify any existing surface water flood risk then a SWMP is unlikely to be required, as the WCS
can effectively master plan the new development to ensure risk from new development are
managed effectively.
In areas where there is significant existing surface water flood risk but little new development, then
risk should be managed through the SWMP process, as shown in the table below. In these
situations it is unlikely that a WCS would need to be carried out.
Ideally, where there is a combination of new development and existing surface water flood risk a
SWMP should be carried out as an integral part of the detailed WCS, which will allow integration
between the two studies. If a SWMP has already been carried out prior to the WCS the SWMP
should be used as part of the evidence base for the WCS, in much the same way as a SFRA is
used. Equally a WCS could inform and recommend the need for a SWMP, although this may hinder
integration between the studies.
New development Existing surface water flood risk Study required
3
WCS
3
SWMP
3 3
WCS and SWMP
How do I carry out a water cycle study?
FAQ
Glossary and
sources of
information
Outline study Scoping study detailed study
What is water
cycle planning?
Further information
IN THIS SECTION
SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
Flood risk
management
Surface water
management planning
Water resources
Wastewater and water
quality
Water Framework
Directive and River
Basin Planning
Urban Pollution
Management
OTHER SECTIONS
1. WHAT IS WATER
CYCLE
PLANNING?
2. HOW DO I CARRY
OUT A WCS?
3. SUPPORTING
TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
4. FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
5. CASE STUDIES &
TOOLS
6. DATA SOURCES
7. GLOSSARY
25
Surface water management plans
NB: this is a ‘living
draft’ and is correct as
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