National Water Council

The NWC was established in accordance with the provisions of the Water Act 1973. The Conservative Government, at the time, 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 tasked with representing industry and to be the main source of advice to the Government matters pertaining to water policy.^[2]

The NWC was an advisory body to the Government and the newly established Water Authorities, offering guidance 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. Additionally, the NWC played a pivotal role in overseeing education within the water industry.^[3] Furthermore, it 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.