Book excerpt: This publication contains a consultation paper, draft Bill, explanatory notes and an impact assessment. The proposals in the draft Bill aim to give effect to: the Government's response to Sir Michael Pitt's review "Learning lessons from the 2007 floods" (http://archive.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/pittreview/thepittreview/final_report.html and http://www.defra.gov.uk/environ/fcd/floods07/Govtresptopitt.pdf); "Future water - the Government's water strategy for England (2008, Cm. 7319, ISBN 9780101731928); and to the flood and water aspects of the Welsh Assembly Government's "Environment strategy" and "Strategic policy position statement on water" (http://wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside). The proposals cover flood and coastal erosion risk management, including a strategic overview role for the Environment Agency and provision for a new local authority leadership role in local flood risk management. Other policies cover main river mapping, co-operation and sharing of information, sustainable drainage systems, Regional Flood Defence Committees, implementation of the EU Floods Directive and the Water Framework Directive, reservoir safety, surface water management plans and hosepipe bans. Two major independent reviews are also awaited: Martin Cave's review of competition and innovation in water markets and Anna Walker's review of charging and metering for household water and sewerage services. Their recommendations will have to be considered and could lead to further legislative proposals in this area.