Summary
The Water Industry Act 1991 regulates water supply and sewerage services in England and Wales. It establishes the duties of water and sewerage undertakers, the role of Ofwat as economic regulator, and the rights of consumers.
Key Points
- Water undertakers have a duty to develop and maintain an efficient water supply system
- Sewerage undertakers have a duty to provide and maintain a sewerage system
- Right to connect to public sewer (s.106)
- Ofwat regulates water company charges and service standards
- Trade effluent consent required for discharges to public sewer
- Criminal offence to contaminate water supplies
Parts & Sections
Amendments History
2014 — Water Act 2014
Introduced retail competition for business customers and reformed Ofwat's powers.