Section 7 of the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 allowed the setting up of the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland (DWQR). This placed the functions of the regulator on a statutory footing. Although the DWQR has similar functions to those of the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) in England and Wales, the separation is greater because Scottish Water is a publicly owned body.
In Scotland the DWQR is responsible for enforcing The Water Supply (Water Quality)(Scotland) Regulations independently of Ministers, whereas the DWI carries out this role on behalf of Ministers.
The DWQR has three main powers. These are in respect of the power to obtain information, the power of entry or inspection and the power of enforcement.
In addition to the above, the DWQR has emergency powers to require a water supplier to do certain works to ensure that the quality of water supplied is safe for public consumption. The DWQR can also vary and/or withdraw notices. However, he must keep a register of the notices issued. Finally, the DWQR can instruct a local authority to provide information held by it with regard to enforcement undertaken by the local authority.
At the end of each calendar year the Regulator must submit an annual report to Scottish Ministers, which is also published. The report will include a summary and commentary on the drinking water quality results for the year. It will also include an account of any investigations or enforcement actions carried out by the Regulator during the period covered by the report.
Further information
www.dwqr.org.uk
