This Order brings into force in England and Wales certain provisions of the Water Act 2003 and makes transitional provision and savings in respect of some of those provisions. Transitional provisions and savings consequential upon the coming into force of certain provisions in Part 1 of the Act are made in the Schedule to this Order. The provisions of Part 1 of the Act brought into force by these Regulations relate to the licensing of abstraction and impounding of water.
The transitional and saving provisions concern conversion of licences, information in the register of abstraction and impounding licences, the offence of contravening a conservation notice, appeals against conservation notices, eligibility to make application to abstract water, powers of the Secretary of State to make Regulations or give directions in relation to water resources management plans and devolution in Wales.