We deal with all aspects of water policy in England, including water supply and resources, and the regulatory systems for the water environment and the water industry. These include drinking water quality; the quality of water in rivers, lakes and estuaries, coastal and marine waters; sewage treatment; and reservoir safety.

Water White Paper – Water for Life

Water for Life describes a vision for future water management in which the water sector is resilient, in which water companies are more efficient and customer focused, and in which water is valued as the precious and finite resource it is. And it explains that we all have a part to play in the realisation of this vision.

• Water White Paper

We work closely with:

• the Environment Agency, which manages water resources and enforces water quality standards;
• the Drinking Water Inspectorate, which regulates the quality of drinking water;
• Ofwat, which is responsible for economic regulation of the water industry; and
• Consumer Council for Water, which represents the interests of water consumers in England and Wales.

Latest news

• 3 February 2012 – £28 million fund announced to clean up England’s rivers and encourage local wildlife to flourish (press release). Eligibility and how to apply (Environment Agency website)
• 2 February 2012 – The Water Industry (Financial Assistance) Bill was introduced to Parliament
• 23 January 2012 - Tackling Bad Debt in the Water Industry consultation
• 8 December 2011 – Water White Paper – Water for Life

Key documents and publications

• Water publications