Catalogue description National Water Council and Water Space Amenity Commission: Minutes

The National Water Council (NWC) was established in August 1973 under the Water Act 1973 as the central statutory body in the water industry. It advised the Water Authorities and the Government on any matters relating to the national policy on water, promoted the efficient performance of the duties of the water authorities, established schemes for the testing and approval of water fittings and for education in the water supply industry. It also managed the water industry pension scheme and was responsible for negotiating pay and conditions of employment for the industry.

The membership of the NWC included all water authority chairmen, with the chairman and most of the other members being appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment.

It was abolished under the Water Act 1983, when its functions (together with those of the Water Space Amenity Commission) passed to three non-statutory bodies: the Water Authorities Association, the Water Industry Training Association and British Water International.

The Water Space Amenity Commission (WSAC) was established in 1973 under the Water Act 1973 to advise the Secretary of State for the Environment and the NWC on a national policy for water recreation, and to advise and encourage the water authorities in the performance of their functions under the act with regard to water recreation. The chairman was appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment from the NWC and its members included the chairmen of the water authorities and members appointed after consultation with the Countryside Commission, the English Tourist Board and the Sports Council.

The WSAC was abolished under the Water Act 1983, when its functions (together with those of the National Water Council) passed to three non-statutory bodies: the Water Authorities Association, the Water Industry Training Association and British Water International.