Water abstraction and river regulation

Fresh water is the world’s most precious resource. Balancing the competing requirements of water for humans and the environment is, therefore, one of our greatest global challenges.

APEM help to keep the essential supply of clean water and electricity flowing, whilst protecting the natural life in our rivers, lakes, wetlands and estuaries.

Licensed water users are required to investigate whether abstraction and impoundment is having, or could have, an impact on the ecological status of water bodies or the condition of protected species and habitats.

Where this is the case, suitable mitigation measures need to be identified and these must be justified by robust scientific evidence.

APEM offer a complete package of strategic thinking, environmental assessment, monitoring, analysis, options appraisal, reporting and stakeholder engagement to solve the challenges of abstraction licensing and reservoir operation. We take a strong scientific approach, striving for pragmatic, cost-effective outcomes and early regulator agreement.

The APEM team are the UK’s foremost interdisciplinary hydro-ecology expertise, comprising ecologists, hydrologists, geomorphologists and water quality scientists. They are supported by a dedicated field survey team, remote sensing team and aquatic laboratories.

Under the Eels Regulations and Habitats Regulations, the team are leading experts in the environmental regulation of surface water intakes.

The team lead scientific development in hydro-ecology and water regulation including published research on the ecological impacts of abstraction, heavily modified water bodies and abstraction licensing for the Water Framework Directive (WFD).

Thanks to years of experience and working with our other specialist teams, our teams have first class project management skills, with the proven ability to deliver large and complex projects with multiple partners.

APEM have an extensive portfolio of abstraction and reservoir studies for water companies and hydropower operators, including the UK’s largest National Environment Programme in AMP5 and AMP6 for Severn Trent Water.

We have a significant track record of research and engagement with regulators including the Environment Agency, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Natural Resources Wales and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

Have a question about this service?

The team at APEM would be happy to answer any questions you have about water abstraction and river regulation. Please use the form below to get in touch.