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Our regulators

Our regulators rightly hold us accountable for our performance and we work closely with them to meet our goals.

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How we're regulated

Our relationships with our regulators – economic, drinking water quality and environmental – are vital to ensure the resilience of our business. We work closely with them to share our progress and our plans, as well as influencing market reform.

You can find more information about each of our regulators below.

Regulatory information

Some of the information we publish is regulatory, and can be found below.

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Our regulators

Each of our regulators oversees different aspects of our business and our water and wastewater services.
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Defra

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) determines the overall water and sewerage policy framework in England, setting standards, drafting legislation and creating special permits, such as drought orders. 

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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Ofwat

Ofwat is the economic regulator of the water and sewerage sectors. It protects the interests of consumers by promoting appropriate competition, making sure water companies properly carry out their functions and ensuring they have adequate finance in place.

Home - Ofwat

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Environment Agency

The Environment Agency is the environmental regulator of the water and wastewater sector in England. It's the principal adviser to the government on the environment, and the leading public body improving and protecting the environment of England. It works with a range of organisations to reduce flood risk, promote sustainable development, and secure environmental and social benefits.

Environment Agency - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

A droplet of water

Drinking Water Inspectorate

The Drinking Water Inspectorate is the drinking water quality regulator and enforces the Water Quality Regulations set by the government. To do this, it checks the tests carried out on drinking water by water companies, along with carrying out company inspections.

Drinking Water Inspectorate (dwi.gov.uk)

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Other

Consumer Council for Water (CCW) 

CCW represents water and wastewater consumers. It also investigates consumer complaints that haven't been satisfactorily resolved by water companies.

Here to fight your corner – the voice for water consumers - CCW

Natural England

Natural England advises the government by providing practical guidance, grounded in science, on how to best safeguard England’s natural wealth. Its purpose is to protect and improve England’s natural environment and encourage people to enjoy and get involved with their surroundings.

Natural England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)