Introduction
1.These explanatory notes refer to the Water Act, which received Royal Assent on 20th November 2003. They have been prepared by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in order to assist the reader of the Act. They do not form part of the Act and have not been endorsed by Parliament.
2.These notes need to be read in conjunction with the Act. They are not, and are not meant to be, a comprehensive description of the Act. So, where a section or part of a section does not seem to require any explanation or comment, none is given.
3.With certain exceptions, the Act extends only to England and Wales.
4.The Act relates to matters within the responsibilities of both the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Secretary of State for Health, and where functions have been devolved, the National Assembly for Wales. In practice, the functions conferred on the Secretary of State (other than where devolved) will be exercised by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs or the Secretary of State for Health to reflect their respective ministerial portfolios.