The second phase review of UK environmental standards and conditions for the Water Framework Directive (WFD) has now closed and summary documents published. The review has been undertaken by the WFD United Kingdom Technical Advisory Group (UKTAG) - a working group of experts drawn from the UK environment and conservation agencies – set up to provide coordinated advice to Government on technical aspects of the Directive.

On 18th September the Council finally adopted a Directive of the European parliament and of the Council on the assessment and management of flood risks. The adoption followed an agreement with the European Parliament in April and the Directive will enter into force upon its publication in the Official Journal.

In his submission to the Independent Water Review Panel, which is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of existing arrangements for the delivery of water and sewerage services in Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Utility Regulator has said property value should not be the main determinant in funding for water and sewerage.

The Sainsbury Review of Science and Innovation has concluded the water companies have been forced to reduce investment in new technologies as a result of delivering price cuts.

The latest security of supply Report published yesterday by Ofwat shows that the industry has improved its overall capacity to meet planned levels of service and peak period conditions.

Ofwat yesterday published its first major consultation on how it will set price limits for customers' water and sewerage bills for the five years from 2010 to 2015. The consultation paper describes the approach that the regulator will take to make sure that the prices companies charge their customers are designed to deliver the best results for those customers.

A 62 year old law governing the use of hosepipes in times of drought will be updated following a Government consultation, Environment Minister Phil Woolas confirmed today. 

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy told the Northern Ireland Assembly yesterday that water Rates will be introduced into Northern Ireland but the ratepayers will not be expected to pay twice for the service.

The European Commission is taking legal action against the United Kingdom for not fully complying with European Court of Justice judgments in two separate cases.

Ofwat has written to the Government to set out its views on implementation options for the transfer of private sewers and lateral drains into the ownership of water and sewerage companies.