Water Cycle Study - March 2010 - North West Leicestershire District ...

Creating the environment for business
strategically, as there is a high level of connectivity in the water supply network and water can be moved great
distances from the raw water sources (rivers, reservoirs, or groundwater) to the point of delivery. Generally, new
developments can be connected to the main system relatively easily. In contrast, wastewater treatment works have
much smaller defined catchment areas and so the location of development relative to the capacity of the nearest
treatment works and receiving water can be critical. Although drainage issues are specific to individual
developments, the integration of drainage development across sites offers significant potential for green
space/habitat creation, in addition to reducing flood risk and potentially water demand.
1.2 National Guidance on Water Cycle Studies
The Environment Agency has issued a National Guidance document (http://publications.environmentagency.gov.uk/pdf/GEHO0109BPFF-e-e.pdf)
to ensure that water cycle studies are carried out in a consistent way.
This guidance outlines the required approach for the Scoping, Outline and Detailed phases of water cycle studies.
The National Guidance on Water Cycle Studies indicates that the assessment should be carried out in three phases:
• Scoping: The primary aim of the Scoping Phase is to collate and review existing information (e.g.
previous studies and monitoring data) on the water environment within the study area, identify
development plans and engage with key stakeholders, including the Environment Agency, water
companies and drainage authorities, to identify key issues that require consideration in the following
stages of the work;
• Outline: The primary aim of the Outline Phase is to identify potential environmental and water
infrastructure constraints to development to provide an evidence base to support the Core Strategy and
identification of preferred sites for development. The study should identify areas of uncertainty that
may require further detailed studies;
• Detailed: The Detailed Phase aims to resolve areas of uncertainty identified in the Outline Phase
through further more detailed studies. It identifies what water cycle management measures and
infrastructure are needed, where and when they are needed, who is responsible for providing the
systems, and by what deadline. This may involve an assessment of the costs and benefits of options. It
also provides guidance to the local authorities to facilitate implementation and funding of the Strategy.
This report comprises a combination of the Scoping and Outline phases as set out in the National Guidance.
1.3 Structure of the Report
This report is structured with by the following chapters:
- Chapter 2: Development and Growth, provides an overview of the regional, national and local
policies relevant to growth and the water environment in the District;
- Chapter 3: The Water Cycle, introduces the elements of the natural and urban water cycle and
relevant legislation;
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19 March 2010