National Water Council

The NWC was established under the provisions of the Water Act 1973. The Conservative Government did not wish to have a national body with executive functions between ministers and the Water Authorities established by the Act.[1] Instead the NWC was mandated to speak for the industry and to be the main source of advice to the Government on water policy.[2]

The NWC was an advisory body to the Government and the newly established Water Authorities on matters related to national policies on water.[3] It promoted the efficient performance of the Authorities and devised schemes for the testing and approval of water fittings. It was responsible for education in the water industry.[3] It also managed the water industry pension scheme and was responsible for negotiating pay and conditions of employment.[3]

The NWC comprised a chairman, appointed by the Government, the chairmen of the Water Authorities, and up to ten members nominated by the Government, including the chairman of the Water Space Amenity Commission.[4] The first chairman of the NWC was Lord Nugent of Guildford (chair 1973–78), followed by Sir Robert Marshall (chair 1978–83).[5] When first established the NWC had a staff of about 250,[4] this had increased to about 400 when it was abolished.[6]

During the drought in 1976 the NWC published adverts in the press identifying the measures that should be taken to reduce usage of water.[7]

In 1977, the NWC published a classification scheme for river water quality.[2] This ranged from 1A High Quality to 4 Bad quality.

By 1983 the Government indicated that the main work of the NWC had been achieved and that the Government had now a more direct relationship with the Water Authorities.[6] Others observed that the NWC had done little to promote the views of the industry to Government.[2] The NWC was abolished by the Water Act 1983. Its duties devolved to three non-statutory bodies: the Water Authorities Association; the Water Industry Training Association; and British Water International.[3]

The Water Space Amenity Commission was an independent arm of the NWC.[4] It was established in 1973 with a duty to advise on recreational policy for water space in England. It acted as a bridge between the water industry and recreational interests. It approved and promoted schemes for recreational use.[4] The chairman was John Humphries and there was  about 25 staff.[4] The commission was abolished by the Water Act 1983.