British Water Office Earmarks 21% of 5-Year Budget for Water Quality Projects

Britain's Office of Water recently set water prices and established its budget for 2005-2010, earmarking the equivalent of US$6.8 billion, or about 21% of the US$32.6 billion total, for environmental projects.

"Some of the most important river and wetland wildlife sites across England and Wales will be rescued from pollution" as a result of the environmental allocation, according to a press statement issued by the Environment Agency of England and Wales.

"Big reductions in sewer overflows during bad weather and restoration of valuable water and wetland habitats will be among the most noticeable outcomes in the next five years," the statement said. "Water prices are rising, but the contribution for environmental improvement is only a part of the increase, and it offers water customers very good value for money," the statement asserted.

Plans call for actions to be taken that will end storm sewer overflows at 200 locations in England and Wales, the statement said. The budget and cleanup plans were developed by the Water Office in collaboration with the Environment Agency, which is responsible for implementing and enforcing water quality regulations, and other government agencies, the statement noted.

For more information, send e-mail to the Environment Agency at [email protected].

Source: Britain's Office of Water