Independent Water Commission: review of the water sector – DWI Response

The Drinking Water Inspectorate welcomes the Independent Water Commission’s attention to the future of the water sector and are respectful of the findings of its final report. As the regulator responsible for drinking water quality in England and Wales, we note the Commission’s recommendations and remain committed to working constructively with government, industry and fellow regulators to support any decisions that may follow.

It is for the UK and Welsh Governments to consider the recommendations and to determine how they wish to act on them. We will await the governments’ decisions on the direction of travel for implementation and stand ready to contribute our expertise and regulatory insight to help achieve the best outcomes for public health now and for the future.

The Inspectorate has been recognised as a highly effective regulator, commanding respect across the sector and helping to maintain world-leading drinking water quality.  While the recommendations are considered we will continue to deliver our statutory duties, including the regulation of cyber and physical security under the NIS and SEMD frameworks, with rigour and independence. Protecting public health remains the Drinking Water Inspectorate’s primary objective.