THE Environment Agency is consulting the public on its plans for managing water resources in its rivers.

The agency's Welsh department has produced a consultation document for the Wye Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS) presenting its assessment of water resources and proposals for future management.

The plans focus on the management of the rivers Wye, Lugg, Monnow, Arrow, Dore, Frome, Garren, Gamber, Trothy, Llynfi, Irfon, Ithon and Elan.

One of the main aims of the Wye CAMS is to make information on resource availability and water abstraction licensing more accessible to the public and to allow members of the public to comment on future water management proposals.

Water abstraction is the removal of water from rivers, canals, reservoirs or underground and is undertaken for a variety of purposes.

This includes industry, public and private water supplies, power generation and agriculture, as well as providing the basis for fishing.

The process requires a licence from the agency in order to ensure that enough water is left in rivers for environmental needs and other people with rights to use the water.

The document is available in CD format or can be viewed at www.environment-agency.gov.uk and the closing date for comments is Friday, May 18.