What the implementation of the Water Framework Directive means for water companies is still unclear.
How will OFWAT ensure that the cost burden to customers is fair in comparison to other stakeholders (polluters.)
In other words how will they ensure customers do not ultimately pay for diffuse pollution issues that are caused
by others e.g. pesticide run off?
Answer by Steve Ntifo's, Environment and Science Adviser, Water UK
Defra has set out river basin planning guidance in a document to the Environment Agency (EA). One of the principles
in the document (Page 15, Ten principles of the river basin planning) obliges the EA to ensure they are as even-handed
as possible in analysing the costs and benefits of measures across different sectors of society and sectors of industry.
Ofwat will be relying on companies to ensure their obligations are reflective of the 'polluter pays principle'.
Water UK is working with Defra, Ofwat and the EA to ensure that the industry's obligations are reflective of the 'polluter
pays principle' and that costs are recovered from the appropriate sectors according to Article 9 of the Water Framwork Directive.
