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Water Abstraction Estimates

The consumption of water abstracted from non-tidal surface and groundwater in England and Wales has fallen from an estimated 15,063 million cubic metres in 2000 to an estimated 11,399 million cubic metres in 2011. 

 Statistics release 

Why is this important – Water is a vital resource that needs to be managed carefully to ensure that people have access to affordable and safe drinking water and sanitation, and that industry needs are met, without depleting water resources or damaging ecosystems.

 Abstractions from non-tidal surface water and groundwater by use: England and Wales, 2000-2011

 

  •  Of the 11,399 million cubic metres abstracted from non-tidal surface water and groundwater in 2011, 51 per cent was for the public water supply and 34 per cent for the electricity supply industry.   

  Data download

 
Next scheduled update: December 2013
Government policy on abstraction licensing
EU Water Framework Directive
River quality Scotland and Northern Ireland
Additional data and information on river quality.

 Note on additional water abstraction datasets: Estimates of average abstraction in million cubic metres is presented for non-tidal waters (groundwater and non-tidal surface waters) and tidal waters, and by the following purpose categories: 

  •  Public water supply
  • Spray irrigation (agricultural and non agricultural)
  • Agriculture (excl. spray irrigation)
  • Electricity supply industry
  • Other industry
  • Fish farming, cress growing, amenity ponds
  • Private water supply
  • Other

  The Environment Agency data is for England & Wales and by Environment Agency region. The boundaries used are based on river catchments. 

 Data on the number of licences held are also available: 

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Page last modified: December 18, 2012