Drinking Water Inspectorate DWI
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) is part of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). It was formed in 1990 to provide independent assurance that water supplies in England and Wales are safe and that drinking water quality is acceptable to consumers.
DWI is authorised to enforce measures if standards are not being met. It can also take appropriate action when water is deemed unfit for human consumption.
Additional areas of responsibility include:
- Providing a technical audit of water companies operating practices.
- Assessing water company sampling programmes and results.
- Assessing incidents that could affect drinking water quality or sufficiency.
- Handling enquiries from the public.
- Investigating consumer complaints about drinking water quality.
- Managing water company programmes for improving drinking water quality (including the DWI’s input into the Ofwat periodic review of water prices).
- Managing the DWI’s scientific evidence and Defra’s water quality and health research programme.
- Managing product approvals.
- Managing industry data.
- Overseeing Local Authority enforcement of regulations for private water supplies.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- BS 8680:2020 Water quality. Water Safety Plans. Code of practice.
- Consumer Council for Water CCWater.
- Do our water quality standards demonstrate to the public that their water supply is clean?
- Drinking water quality.
- Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland DWQR.
- Environment Agency.
- Incumbent water company v undertaker.
- Ofwat.
- Water safety plan WSP.
Featured articles and news
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.