EA updates drought plan guidance

The Environment Agency has published new guidance for water companies and New Appointments and Variations (NAVs) to follow when writing statutory drought plans.

The document updates 2020 guidance, to take account of the latest legislative and regulatory developments and industry research; learn lessons from recent dry weather experiences; incorporate feedback from stakeholders; and improve clarity.

There is new information on matters including actions to significantly reduce domestic demand, drought recovery expectations, and water supplies for firefighting.

The document also covers requirements for water retailers, and expected ways of working between water companies, NAVs and retailers.