Ofwat
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Ofwat is the Water Services Regulation Authority for England and Wales. It is the economic regulator of the water and sewerage sectors in those parts of the UK. Ofwat exercises its powers to protect the interests of consumers, promote value and safeguard future water and sewerage services by allowing efficient companies to carry out and finance their functions properly.
[edit] History
The formation of Ofwat came as a result of The Water Act of 1989 which brought about the privatisation of 10 publicly owned water and sewerage authorities. This resulted in the creation of the Drinking Water Inspectorate (the regulator of drinking water quality) and the Director General of Water Services (the economic regulator), which was supported by the Office of Water Services (Ofwat).
In 2006, these entities were replaced by the Water Services Regulation Authority. This organisation retained the name, Ofwat. It is financed through licence fees recovered from the water companies and it reports to Parliament.
[edit] Operations
The duties and powers of Ofwat are defined by sections 2 and 3 of the Water Industry Act 1991 (as amended). Under section 2 of the Act, Ofwat is responsible for carrying out numerous duties, including:
- Protecting the interests of consumers, wherever appropriate, by promoting effective competition.
- Ensuring water companies carry out their statutory functions properly.
- Ensuring water companies can finance the proper execution of their statutory functions.
- Ensuring water supply licensees and sewerage licensees properly carry out their licensed activities and statutory functions.
- Advancing the long-term resilience of water companies’ water supply and wastewater systems.
In addition to these duties, the organisation seeks to promote economy and efficiency while contributing to the achievement of sustainable development.
[edit] External links
https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/investigation-into-sewage-treatment-works/
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- BS 8680:2020 Water quality. Water Safety Plans. Code of practice.
- Charging rules.
- Consumer Council for Water CCWater.
- Drainage and sewerage management plans DSMPs.
- Drinking Water Inspectorate.
- Drinking water quality.
- Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland DWQR.
- Incumbent water company v undertaker.
- Sewerage company.
- Utilities for construction and operation.
- Water Act 2014.
- Water derogation.
- Water Industry Act 1991.
- Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002.
- Water management strategies.
- Water pressure.
- Water UK.
- What the new retail market will mean for the water sector.
- Why innovation is needed in the water sector.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.