 | Parts of this article (those related to Check correct post-Brexit) need to be updated.(November 2025) |
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) is a section of Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), established in 1990 alongside water privatisation, to provide independent reassurance that drinking water supplies in England and Wales are safe and of acceptable quality. [1]
Based in Whitehall, it produces an annual report showing the quality of and problems associated with drinking water. Its remit is to assess the quality of drinking water in England and Wales, taking enforcement action if standards are not being met, and appropriate action when water is unfit for human consumption. [2]
It was responsible for reporting on drinking water quality to the European Union under the European Drinking Water Directive (DWD), Council Directive 98/83/EC, which concerns the quality of water intended for human consumption. [3] It provides advice to Defra on the transposition of European water legislation in England and Wales.[ clarification needed ]
The Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland is the equivalent body for Scotland.
