Reservoir safety in England and Wales will become the responsibility of the Environment Agency from 1 October 2004 when it takes on the role of Enforcement Authority under the Reservoirs Act 1975. The role is being transferred from Local Authorities as a result of the Water Act 2003.
Reservoirs are essential features of the UK landscape and operating and managing them safely to limit flood risk is of paramount importance. Safety legislation for reservoirs in the UK was first introduced in 1930 following several disasters that resulted in loss of life and is today provided by the Reservoirs Act 1975.
Currently the enforcement of the Act in England and Wales is the responsibility of 140 Local Authorities. The role has attracted a varying response often co-ordinated by different departments, which has led to inconsistent application. This inconsistency has driven the need for regulation to be provided by a single body which was recognised by an industry review of the Reservoirs Act 1975.
The Water Act 2003 also requires Flood Plans to be produced for specified reservoirs. This requirement is due to commence later in April 2005 and will be preceded by a comprehensive consultation led by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG).