Loire-Brittany Basin: water agency's 9th programme adopted.

The programme was developed following widespread consultation throughout the past year with the sub-groups that make up the wider committee for the basin and other key players in the water sector that come under the geographical committees. It will take effect from 1 January 2007.

In its 9th programme, the Loire-Brittany water agency is preparing to spend two billion euros over the next six years to help those involved in the water industry to meet the water quality objectives set by the framework directive on water, to preserve public health and the environment, and manage scarce water resources.

The lengthy debate that preceded the vote focused on the programme's economic and ecological challenges: how to act more effectively to meet water quality objectives by 2015, whilst keeping the impact on the price of water within acceptable limits, what investments to favour in order to ensure natural flow rates for waterways or to control pollution, particularly widespread pollutants such as nitrates, phosphorus and pesticides.

Further information: http://www.eau-loire-bretagne.fr/   Loire-Brittany basin water agency