River Basin Management Planning (RBMP)
Key links
Read the latest river basin management plan
Explore information that underpins RBMP at the Water Environment Hub
For the most detailed and up to date classification information, visit the Water Classification Hub
Learn more about improvements through the Water Environment Fund
Find more information about the Scottish water environment on Scotland's environment website
What is River Basin Management Planning (RBMP)?
River basin management planning (RBMP) is Scotland’s framework for protecting and improving the water environment and the benefits it provides. RBMP sets out a range of actions to address the water environment for the benefit of people, wildlife and the economy.
What are the aims of RBMP?
RBMP focuses on achieving a healthy, functioning water environment and on reducing resource use, eliminating waste and restoring natural capital.
RBMP is embedded in SEPA’s approach to regulation. In order to achieve our RBMP objectives, SEPA regulates water activities. We also work with partners to embed RBMP objectives into land use planning and flood risk management.
How does SEPA develop RBMP?
The river basin management plans are reviewed and updated by SEPA every 6 years on behalf of the Scottish government. SEPA gathers data on the state of the water environment in Scotland and information on the main pressures causing impacts.
We share a draft of the plans for consultation. The contributions of the public and communities are essential to ensure plans reflect local experiences and a wide range of perspectives across Scotland.
Based on the outcome of the consultation, the RBMP details a targeted and coordinated programme of action for Scottish Government, SEPA, other public bodies and everyone with an interest in our water environment to address those pressures and protect and improve the water environment.
Developing the new river basin management plan
Our understanding of the condition of the water environment and the pressures it faces has continued to improve. We will consult on a review and update of the RBMP in December 2026 and publish RBMP 4 by December 2027.
This plan will introduce the themes of climate adaptation, nature, and health and wellbeing to support coordinated action across sectors and within catchments.
The consultation will be available on our consultation hub.
You can view all of the previous consultations and reports that underpin the current river basin management plan. We will update this list with the outcomes of the consultation on the draft of RBMP 4 and updated RBMP 4 as they become available.