Drinking water quality in England and Wales is regulated by the government through the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). The Inspectorate was set up in 1990, after the water industry was privatised, to operate an independent body with staff experienced in all aspects of water supply. The DWI task is to monitor and check
the safety of drinking water
How the DWI works
We see our role as the effective guardians of drinking water quality. Our main task is to check that the water companies in England and Wales supply water that is safe to drink and meets the standards set in the Water Quality Regulations. Inspectors carry out technical audits of each water company. Inspections are in two parts.
1. The results of drinking water tests by the water companies are rigorously checked.
2. Each water company is visited and specific aspect of operating practice inspected.
Water quality is assessed on the basis of information provided by the water companies. Millions of tests are made each year to see if water meets the standard set down in law.
Tests are carried out at water treatment works, in the distribution systems and at consumers’ taps in designated geographical areas called water supply zones.
We check the test results and carry out inspections to ensure that the results are reliable and give a true picture of the quality of the water supplied.
We also investigate consumers’ complaints and incidents that affect or could affect drinking water quality. Investigations of incidents can lead to water companies being prosecuted. We publish a leaflet ‘Problems with your drinking water’, which describes consumer complaints, investigation of incidents and prosecutions. This is obtainable free of charge from us on request.
Further information
www.dwi.gov.uk
