Water industry
Scotland's water environment provides habitats to support
wildlife and ecosystems, and resources for our tourism, recreation,
agricultural and energy industries. It also provides us with good
quality drinking water.
It is therefore essential that our water environment is
protected through monitoring and regulation. SEPA is responsible
for controlling pollution, abstractions, impoundments and
engineering activities that affect the water environment. These
powers are provided by the Water Environment (Controlled
Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2005.
Anyone involved in the water industry – whether it's a public
sector organisation or a private supplier – needs to be aware of
the regulations that govern the water industry to ensure the
quality of our water supply remains above the standards required by
European directives. Any business that pollutes the water
environment is probably committing an offence and could face
substantial fines. SEPA provides guidance to the business community
on how to avoid water pollution and help conserve this valuable
resource.
For more information about SEPA’s role in the water environment,
click on the ‘Water’ menu on the left side of this
screen. icence application forms are available via the
‘Application forms’ tab at the top of the screen.
Find out more about:
General water industry guidance
Regulation and licensing
You may also find the following links useful:
Air, noise and odour:
Chemicals
Land
Waste
Water