Abstract
When the current water abstraction system was introduced in 1965, the state of the environment and, in particular, the management of water as a resource was not perceived to be an issue of national concern. Today, a growing appreciation of the vulnerability of the environment, and of the need to manage water resources in an active manner if the demand for supplies is to be met, have led to a government review of the water abstraction licensing system. This article examines the main reforms which have been proposed for adapting the licensing system and water resource management regime to meet the needs of this changing world. These proposals, if they are implemented, will have a significant impact, especially on those industries such as agriculture which are particularly dependent on water.
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