Does Parliament see a role for the Private Water industry in the funding of sustainable flood defence along rivers which provide essential conveyance of water managed, primarily, for urban users ? This question is posed (to the Select Committee on Flooding) against the background of similar National Energy Supply obligations to sustainability through the funding of renewables.
- This key framework aspect was not highlighted by Pitt; neither is there provision in the 2010 Act.
- By way of example in Mid Wales, there is little evidence of balanced management of Lake Vyrnwy or of any flood attenuation provision alongside new ‘blue’ pipelines in the floodplain.
- There is widespread acceptance that capital grant frameworks favour the provision of water industry hard assets rather than the deployment of equivalent natural methods.
- In broad terms, 5-10% risk is catered for by legacy flood defence structures; 1.5% risk is covered by Insurance; between these two there is gap which undermines the wellbeing of comunities. Happily, there are some 30 years to fill this gap in FRM – ideal for ‘sustainable’ systems. (Top)
- Water – an Asset and a Liability
Multiple Benefits of High Friction Floodplains 