AbstractIntegrated river basin management has been the backcloth against which river regulation has been practiced in England and Wales for the past 14 years. Its success is reviewed and the forthcoming changes in legislation are critically examined. A number of problems facing the emergent National Rivers Authority are discussed. The need for co‐operation rather than conflict is advocated wherever environment is to be protected and when competing pressures impact on river resources. A number of technical issues remain unresolved and the need for continuing work is recognized.