Water industry regulation

Water Supply & Regulation

Competition in the Water Industry: Water Supply Licensing

The Water Act 2003 amends the Water Industry Act 1991 to extend opportunities for competition in the water industry across Wales and England.

Non-household customers who use, or are likely to use, at least 50ML (megalitres) of water a year at each premises are now able to choose their water supplier from new companies entering the market.

These new companies, known as licensees, are able to supply water subject to their obtaining a licence from the Office of Water Service (Ofwat). Full details of the new licensing regime can be found on Ofwat’s website.

Visit: Office of Water Service (Ofwat) website (external link).

The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999

The Water Fittings Regulations are national requirements for the design, installation and maintenance of plumbing systems, water fittings and water-using appliances. They prevent misuse, waste, undue consumption or erroneous measurement of water and prevent contamination of drinking water.

The Regulations are enforced by the Water Companies and administered through the Water Regulations Advisory Service. The Water Regulations Advisory Service promotes the Water Regulations, provide an advisory service and an interface between manufacturers, installers, water suppliers and Government.

For further details on the Regulations and their implementation, contact the Water Regulations Advisory Service.

Visit: The Water Regulations Advisory Service (external link)

Consumer Council for Water (CCW)

The Consumer Council for Water was established on 1 October 2005. An independent body, sponsored jointly by the Welsh Assembly Government and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), it replaces Ofwat’s Customer Service Committees (more latterly known as WaterVoice).

The Welsh Assembly Government has directed the Council to establish a Wales Committee and that it be responsible for championing the interests and rights of customers, investigating complaints, and providing advice and information to the Council in relation to the following water/water and sewerage companies:

• Dwr Cymru Welsh Water,
• Dee Valley Water plc,
• Albion Water Ltd (in respect of its appointment area in Shotton,
  Deeside where it supplies the Shotton paper Company Ltd).

Full details of the work of the Council, its structure, and its role in representing consumers can be found on the CCW website.

Visit: Consumer Council for Water website (external link).

Water Charges & Affordability

Report into Review of Water Affordability: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs website (external link)