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Abstract
Formed in 1989, the National Rivers Authority for England and Wales, known as the NRA, with a stated aim to "… protect and improve the water environment" is responsible for the regulation of water quality and water resources, and for the operation of flood and sea defence in England and Wales. The NRA also has duties for fisheries, recreation, conservation and navigation. The paper describes the multifunctional approach to planning within catchments which is being developed by the NRA.Plans are to be drawn up for entire catchments to include the inland river system, associated groundwater, estuarine and coastal waters over a total area of up to 5000 km2. The planning process identifies the uses required of the aquatic environment, the related objectives and standards and how these are to be achieved. Significant among the objectives are those defining water quality which are to become statutory in the UK. The planning process is seen as a means of addressing conflicts of use, and of identifying a coordinated action programme over at least a ten year period.