Highways England’s shortlisted routes for the proposed Lower Thames Crossing could potentially increase the level of flood risk, according to an environmental appraisal which forms part of a number of background documents published at the start of a public consultation this week.

The European Commission is asking the United Kingdom to ensure that the Water Framework Directive is correctly enacted in national law.

Anglian Water has launched a new campaign to help farmers reduce the amount of pesticides which end up in the region’s reservoirs.

Differences and tensions have emerged across Europe about the future of EU environmental targets under the Water Framework Directive, the major piece of legislation which impacts on the water sector, according to Water UK.

A new sustainable fertiliser product being developed by Aqua Enviro scientists could improve catchment management of phosphorus and help water companies meet EU environmental legislation. It could also provide them with a potential new revenue-generating business opportunity.

A new paper by the European Commission on the implementation of EU water legislation says that while progress has been made there is still work to do.

Water UK is warning that the forthcoming EU review of the implementation of the Water Framework Directive may be taken as an opportunity to seek ever tighter restrictions on water quality, without supporting evidence of the economic and social consequences of such decisions.

A new report from the European Environment Agency says that river basin management relies on effective public participation.

Defra and Welsh Ministers have published new river basin management planning ministerial guidance and standards, together with a summary of responses to its recent consultation.

The European Commission is taking Denmark to Court for a failure to present plans for managing its river basins.