Water
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.
We work closely with the:
- Environment Agency, which manages water resources and enforces water quality standards;
- Drinking Water Inspectorate, which regulates the quality of drinking water; and
- Ofwat, which is responsible for economic regulation of the water industry.
The Flood and Water Management Bill introduced into Parliament on the 19 November 2009, will help tackle bad debt in the water industry, improve the affordability of water bills for certain groups and individuals, and help ensure continuity of water supplies to the consumer.
Latest news
- 4 February 2010: The Flood and Water Management Bill completed it’s progress through the House of Commons on the 2 February and was introduced into the House of Lords on the 3 February. The 2nd Reading Debate in the Lords has been scheduled for the 24 February.
- 26 November 2009 - Ofwat publishes Future water and sewerage charges 2010-15: Final determinations (PDF 1MB). Read the news release (PDF 113KB) and information note: Future household water and sewerage bills 2010-15 (PDF 211KB)
- 6 November 2009 - Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government jointly published their summary of response to the consultation on proposals for time limiting of water abstraction licences.
Water strategy - Future Water
The Government launched its new water strategy for England, Future Water on 7 February 2008. The strategy sets out a framework for water management in England.
Contacts
Page last modified: 04 February 2010