ABSTRACT
Including water recreation and amenity planning in Water Authority responsibilities is a recognition of the multi-purpose potential of water resources. However, while in some cases the public can be given access to existing water space with few consequences, major extension of water recreation facilities and amenities is not without its costs. The effluent disposal load in rivers may have to be reduced to improve angling facilities. Water treatment plants at existing water supply reservoirs may need upgrading to gain full recreational use and landscaping river engineering works and replacing trees to protect amenity all add to scheme costs. Finally, water recreation developments may endanger wildlife and reduce the scientific value of rare habitats.
