The water industry's operations are underpinned by strong regulation that covers all aspects of the industry's core business – drinking water quality, wastewater quality, environmental improvement and price control.

Many regulations that directly affect the water industry are derived from EU directives – notably drinking water, urban wastewater treatment, water framework, groundwater protection, sewage sludge and health and safety at work. Others, for example economic regulation, are UK specific including:

• The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 (England & Wales)
• Water Services Act 2003 (Scotland)
• The Water Environment Regulations 2005 (Controlled Activities) (Scotland)
• Planning Constraints including Part G in England & Wales The Code for Sustainable Homes (England & Wales)
• The Building Act 2003 (Scotland)

With multiple legislations within the industry, there is a need to manage and enforce changes within the Water Industry. Improvements and repairs within the industry are usually undertaken in an Asset Management Period of five years, where utility providers have a set period of time to complete multiple projects to provide the agreed level of service within the industry.

For further information on the improvements and regulation for the industry, please visit the websites of the following key organisations.

Government

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is a Government Department in the UK. www.defra.gov.uk

Industry Regulator

Ofwat - England & Wales - www.ofwat.gov.uk

Water Industry Commisson - Scotland - www.watercommission.co.uk

Environmental Bodies

The Environment Agency - England & Wales - www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Scottish Environment Protection Agency - Scotland - www.sepa.org.uk

Keyline are the specialists in maintainable Water Management Solutions, download the Water Management Solutions brochure