PART 1Development of water resources

I11Duty of the Scottish Ministers

1

The Scottish Ministers must—

a

take such reasonable steps as they consider appropriate for the purpose of ensuring the development of the value of Scotland's water resources,

b

do so in ways designed to promote the sustainable use of the resources.

2

In fulfilling the duty under subsection (1), the Scottish Ministers are to act so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of their—

a

functions under the 2003 Act and the 2009 Act,

b

other functions (whether or not relating to water resources or environmental matters).

3

In subsection (1), the reference to the value of water resources—

a

means the value of the resources on any basis (including their monetary or non-monetary worth),

b

extends to the economic, social, environmental or other benefit deriving from the use of the resources (or any activities in relation to them).

4

In this section—

  • the 2009 Act” means the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009,

  • water resources” means wetland, inland water and transitional water as defined by section 3 of the 2003 Act.