The Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, No. 662 (as amended)

The Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 serves as a pivotal legislative framework in Northern Ireland, governing the management and supply of water resources. The primary purpose of this order is to establish a comprehensive regulatory structure for the management, collection, treatment, and distribution of water for domestic, commercial, and industrial purposes. The order also aims to ensure the sustainable use of water resources, promote environmental protection, and maintain water quality standards.

Under this order, a range of requirements is outlined. These requirements pertain to various aspects of water management, including the licensing and regulation of water suppliers, the establishment of water quality standards, the monitoring and reporting of water usage, and the enforcement of water-related regulations. Additionally, the order empowers relevant authorities to impose charges for water services, enabling the financing of water infrastructure and maintenance.

The Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 applies to a broad spectrum of stakeholders. This includes individuals, households, businesses, industries, and public institutions that utilize water services within Northern Ireland. The order's provisions extend to water suppliers, regulatory bodies, and environmental agencies responsible for overseeing and enforcing compliance with its stipulations. Through its comprehensive scope and requirements, the order aims to ensure the responsible and sustainable management of water resources while safeguarding the environment and public health.

The Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 establishes a framework for evidence requirements to ensure the effective management and regulation of water resources. The order outlines several key provisions related to evidence, which are crucial for maintaining water quality, sustainable usage, and compliance with regulatory standards:

1. Water Quality Standards: The order mandates that evidence must be provided to demonstrate that water quality standards are being met. This includes evidence of regular testing and monitoring of water samples from various sources, such as rivers, reservoirs, and treatment plants. These tests assess parameters like chemical composition, bacterial contamination, and other factors that impact water quality.
2. Environmental Impact Assessments: Evidence requirements extend to conducting and providing assessments of the potential environmental impacts of water-related activities. This involves the preparation of detailed reports that analyze the potential effects of projects or developments on the surrounding environment, ecosystems, and communities.
3. Compliance Monitoring: The order necessitates evidence of ongoing compliance with water management regulations. This involves regular reporting on water usage, treatment processes, and discharge of wastewater. Authorities may require detailed records and documentation to verify compliance with established standards.
4. Water Resource Management Plans: Evidence is needed for the development and implementation of comprehensive water resource management plans. These plans should outline strategies for sustainable water use, conservation, and addressing future water demands. The evidence presented should support the feasibility and effectiveness of proposed management measures.
5. Licenses and Permits: Individuals, businesses, and entities seeking licenses or permits related to water abstraction, discharge, or other activities must provide evidence of their intended practices. This evidence may include technical specifications, proposed operating procedures, and plans to mitigate potential adverse impacts.
6. Billing and Charges: Water suppliers must provide evidence to support billing and charging practices. This includes transparent documentation of the basis for charges, metering methods, and accurate measurement of water usage.
7. Emergency Response Plans: Evidence of emergency response plans is required to address situations such as water supply disruptions, contamination events, or natural disasters. These plans should demonstrate preparedness to effectively manage and mitigate potential crises.
8. Public Consultation: When making significant water-related decisions, evidence of public consultation efforts must be presented. This ensures that the views and concerns of stakeholders, including the public and relevant organizations, are taken into account.

Overall, The Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 emphasizes the importance of evidence-based decision-making and accountability in managing water resources. By requiring thorough documentation and reporting, the order aims to ensure the responsible and sustainable use of water while safeguarding environmental and public health interests.