Our regulators

Ofwat is the independent economic regulator of the water and sewerage industry with responsibility for setting prices and ensuring we carry out and finance our business properly.

Ofwat sets prices at the beginning of a five-year cycle called Asset Management Plan (AMP) periods and prices are based upon submissions from companies detailing how much it will cost to deliver their business plans. Read our latest Business Plan.

Each year, every water company sends Ofwat a detailed breakdown of its performance. This is then used to monitor and compare companies' performances. Read our latest Annual Review Summary.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) regulates public water supplies in England and Wales and is responsible for monitoring the quality of drinking water to ensure the water we supply is safe to drink and meets standards set out in Water Quality Regulations.

DWI also investigates consumer complaints and incidents that affect, or could affect, drinking water quality.

The Environment Agency (EA) is a non-departmental public body which is set up to protect and improve the environment in England and Wales.

The EA is responsible for the regulation and management of land, air and water resources as well as being responsible for issuing water companies with abstraction licences.

They monitor and enforce compliance with environmental water quality standards and work with other organisations to reduce flood risks and river pollution.

The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) is an independent body that represents customer interests across England and Wales in respect of prices, service and value for money and customer complaints.

The CCW western region represents customers of Wessex Water and other water and sewerage companies in the south west region. It also provides independent advice and support to households and businesses as well as running campaigns to encourage people to value water.

CCW recently carried out some research about people's water habits which they have shared to encourage people to save water. They are also running a campaign called Go Tap to encourage people to choose tap water over bottled water.

Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting the food and farming industry and rural economy.

Defra deals with all aspects of water policy in England, including water supply and resources, and the regulatory systems for the water environment and water industry. They also set the overall water and sewerage policy framework in England including setting standards and drafting legislation.