NRA plans new UK standards. (Great Britain. National Rivers Authority)

The UK National Rivers Authority has unveiled a plan which will lead to new statutory water quality objectives within the next few years. The agency's chief scientist, Jan Pentreath, said that the costs of meeting the new requirements will be 'substantial'. He added: 'Our proposals are likely to have an impact on investment, employment and, inevitably, on the prices paid by consumers.'

Environment minister David Trippier said that the scheme would provide 'clear, unambiguous standards', a timetable for improvements, and 'a firm basis for enforcing compliance.'

Under the NRA's proposals, (*) standards would be set with the end of the water in mind. For …