(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order repeals and re-enacts with amendments the Water Act (Northern Ireland) 1972. The principal amendments—
(a)modify the provisions relating to discharge consents;
(b)enable the Department of the Environment to make more extensive provision, by regulations, to prevent pollution;
(c)confer more extensive powers on the Department of the Environment to carry out anti-pollution works and enable the Department to issue notices requiring persons to carry out anti-pollution works;
(d)confer powers on the Department of Agriculture to carry out works in relation to waterways.