Guide To External Workshop Response For Challenges And Choices 2019-2020.pdf

On the day, nominate a note taker and a timekeeper, set up a live link to the consultation, and watch the introductory film together. Share the water story narrative and discuss the group's response. Select another topic area, watch the film, and discuss comments. Collate responses onto the proforma and submit the response via the consultation link.

We are seeking your views on the challenges our waters face and the choices and changes we all need to make to help tackle those challenges. Your responses will help shape the management of the water environment, update the current river basin management plans, and consider how some of the current approaches to the management of water in England will need to change in response to a changing climate and a growing population.

The consultation covers England's waters in Anglian, Humber, North West, South East, South West, Thames, Severn (England and Wales), and Northumbria river basin districts. You can collate a team response or individuals can respond individually. The consultation is open to all Defra family members. Not all questions have to be answered – just Question 1 can be answered. Please respond by 24 April 2020.

The questions are:

1. The way we treat water today will shape all our futures. What changes can you make to improve the water we rely on?
2. What more can we do to tackle the impacts of climate change on the water environment and what additional resources do we need to do this?
3. What can we do to address this biodiversity crisis and meet the 25 Year Environment Plan targets for wetlands, freshwater, and coastal habitats and wildlife?
4. Environmental targets can generate action and provide a strong signal of intent. Could additional statutory targets contribute to improving the water environment? If so, what types of targets should be considered?
5. What can be done to address the challenge of changing water levels and flows?
6. The abstraction plan explains our current and future approach for managing water abstraction. What else do we need to do to meet the challenges of climate change and growth while balancing the needs of abstractors and the environment?
7. What kind of a water flow environment do we want? Should we maintain statutory minimum water flow and level standards universally across England as we do now, or go further in some places based on environmental risk?
8. What can be done to address the challenge of chemicals in the water environment?
9. Do you support the Environment Agency's proposed strategic approach to managing chemicals as referenced in the Chemicals in the Water Environment challenge document? If not, what changes would you make?
10. What balance do you think is needed between current chemical use, investing in end-of-pipe wastewater treatment options, and modifying consumer use and behavior?
11. What can be done to address invasive non-native species?
12. How would you promote Check, Clean, Dry to all recreational users of water, including those who are not in clubs or attend events?
13. Are there any barriers stopping you adopting good biosecurity when you are in or near water?
14. What can be done to address the physical modification of our rivers and coasts?
15. Giving more space for rivers and coasts to move and adjust naturally will regenerate habitat, improve wildlife, and help us adapt to climate change. What can you and others do to support these changes?
16. What can be done to address plastics pollution in the water environment?
17. What actions should the Environment Agency take to reduce plastic pollution?
18. What can be done to address pollution from abandoned mines?
19. What can be done to address pollution from agriculture and rural areas?
20. How can we support the farming sector to excel at innovative solutions which benefit both productivity and the environment? What should these solutions look like?
21. What can be done to address pollution from towns, cities, and transport?
22. How can sustainable drainage systems and green infrastructure be most effectively used to tackle pollution from urban areas? What challenges are there to using them?
23. What can be done to address pollution from water industry wastewater?