National Water Council
| Company type | Government body |
|---|---|
| Industry | Water supply |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Defunct | 1983 |
| Fate | Dissolved |
| Successor | Water Authorities Association; Water Industry Training Association; British Water International |
| Headquarters | London |
Key people | Lord Nugent of Guildford (chair 1973–78), Sir Robert Marshall (chair 1978–83) |
| Services | Advice on water supply policy |
Number of employees | 400 |
The National Water Council (NWC) was a statutory body of the UK Government responsible for overseeing matters of common interest within the water industry and serving as a link between the government and the Water Authorities. It was founded in 1973 and ceased its operations in 1983.
Establishment
[edit]The NWC was established in accordance with the provisions of the Water Act 1973. The Conservative Government, at the time, did not wish to have a national body with executive functions between ministers and the Water Authorities established by the Act.[1] Instead, the NWC was tasked with representing industry and to be the main source of advice to the Government matters pertaining to water policy.[2]
Functions
[edit]The NWC was an advisory body to the Government and the newly established Water Authorities, offering guidance on matters related to national policies on water.[3] It promoted the efficient performance of the Authorities and devised schemes for the testing and approval of water fittings. Additionally, the NWC played a pivotal role in overseeing education within the water industry.[3] Furthermore, it managed the water industry pension scheme and was responsible for negotiating pay and conditions of employment.[3]
Constitution
[edit]The NWC comprised a chairman, appointed by the Government, the chairmen of the Water Authorities, and up to ten members nominated by the Government, including the chairman of the Water Space Amenity Commission.[4] The first chairman of the NWC was Lord Nugent of Guildford (chair 1973–78), followed by Sir Robert Marshall (chair 1978–83).[5] When first established the NWC had a staff of about 250,[4] this had increased to about 400 when it was abolished.[6]
Achievements
[edit]During the drought in 1976 the NWC published adverts in the press identifying the measures that should be taken to reduce usage of water.[7]
In 1977, the NWC published a classification scheme for river water quality.[2] This ranged from 1A High Quality to 4 Bad quality.
Abolition
[edit]By 1983 the Government indicated that the main work of the NWC had been achieved and that the Government had now a more direct relationship with the Water Authorities.[6] Others observed that the NWC had done little to promote the views of the industry to Government.[2] The NWC was abolished by the Water Act 1983. Its duties devolved to three non-statutory bodies: the Water Authorities Association; the Water Industry Training Association; and British Water International.[3]
Water Space Amenity Commission
[edit]The Water Space Amenity Commission was an independent arm of the NWC.[4] It was established in 1973 with a duty to advise on recreational policy for water space in England. It acted as a bridge between the water industry and recreational interests. It approved and promoted schemes for recreational use.[4] The chairman was John Humphries and there was about 25 staff.[4] The commission was abolished by the Water Act 1983.
References
[edit]- ^ Warman, Christopher (16 August 1974). "New bodies for giant task ahead". The Times. p. 26.
- ^ a b c Ofwat Defra (2006). The Development of the water industry in England and Wales (PDF). Defra. pp. 19, 26, 28.
- ^ a b c d The National Archive. "National Water Council and Water Space Amenity Commission". Retrieved 30 August 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Aldous, Tony (3 August 1973). "A bridge over troubled waters". The Times. p. 3.
- ^ "Latest Appointments". The Times. 12 April 1978. p. 19.
- ^ a b Clayton, Hugh (8 July 1982). "Water council is abolished and boards trimmed". The Times. p. 2.
- ^ Young, John (26 August 1976). "National Water Council puts drought facts to the public". The Times. p. 1.