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<p>Water neutrality is about enabling development which does not increase the amount
of water taken/ abstracted from the environment. Water companies account for the effects
of growth, drought and climate change uncertainty on future demand within a Water
Resources Management Plan and update this every five years.</p><p> </p><p>The investment
through the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) is substantial;
between 2020 and 2025 it will account for over £5 billion of asset improvements, investigation,
monitoring and catchment interventions. Defra, the Environment Agency and Ofwat work
with water companies to identify solutions that will improve water courses and prevent
further deterioration. Water companies need to meet environmental legislative requirements
set out in the Environment Act 2021.</p><p> </p><p>Furthermore, in our Plan for Water
we set out how we are working with the Future Homes Hub and Cranfield University to
“develop clear guidance on ‘water positive’ or ‘net zero water’ developments and roles
for developers and water companies, including water company incentives”. This guidance
could be used by Local Authorities and any other organisation that aspires to become
water positive.</p><p> </p><p>In our Plan for Water we also set out that we will “support
development of Agricultural Water Resources Management Plans through the Water for
Food Group initiated by the National Farmers’ Union”. We are working with the agriculture
sector and supporting farmers to store more water on their land – launching the second
round of the £10 million Water Management Grant to fund more on-farm reservoirs and
better irrigation equipment - and reducing planning barriers to small reservoirs.</p>
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