Environmental compliance for manufacturers
- 3 steps
UK Act of Parliament
1991
United Kingdom
Water Industry Act 1991
At a glance
Enforced by
Environment Agency, CMA, Ofwat, DWI, OEP, Mining Remediation Authority, NRW
What's here
154 compliance obligations, 17 practical guides across 3 topics · 5 journeys · 10 statutory instruments
Penalty landscape
22 of 154 obligations carry an unlimited fine. 25 carry different penalties and 107 have no criminal penalty — flagged in the list below.
Who this Act binds
Business-side actors with duties under this Act, ranked by how often they appear.
- Statutory Undertaker 38
- Any Person 38
- Licence Holder 5
- Occupier 4
- Trader 3
- Director or Officer 2
- Employer 1
- Distributor 1
Plus 62 non-business duties on Crown ministers, regulators, local authorities or tribunals — shown collapsed under each section below.
Step-by-step journeys using this legislation
Walkthroughs that take you from a real business situation to compliance.
Drainage and utilities infrastructure compliance
- 5 steps
- 1 requirement
Quick check: running a food business in Wales
- 2 steps
Water Framework Directive compliance for businesses
- 2 steps
Start a food business in Wales
- 2 steps
Relevant guidance
Practical guides for businesses affected by this Act, ordered by how closely they engage with it.
Direct — cites this Act
7 guidesAdopt new sewers under Section 104
Construction drainage design and compliance
Design and construct SuDS for new developments
Drainage and utilities compliance checklist
Environmental permits for food businesses in Wales
Trade effluent consent for discharging to sewers
Water management and drought resilience for businesses
Supporting — topic alignment
7 guidesMentioned in related content
3 guidesOther Acts binding the same actors
For each actor bound by this Act, the other UK Acts that bind them most often. Useful for understanding the full compliance landscape facing each role.
Statutory Undertakers also bound by 21 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 2006 43 duties
- The Street Works (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 1995 13 duties
- The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000 2000 12 duties
- New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 1991 11 duties
- Reservoirs Act 1975 1975 8 duties
Any Person also bound by 749 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Human Medicines Regulations 2012 2012 110 duties
- Licensing Act 2003 2003 105 duties
- Merchant Shipping Act 1995 1995 97 duties
- Road Traffic Act 1988 1988 95 duties
- Air Navigation Order 2016 2016 86 duties
Licence Holders also bound by 50 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Space Industry Regulations 2021 2021 50 duties
- Human Medicines Regulations 2012 2012 11 duties
- Value Added Tax Regulations 1995 1995 7 duties
- Air Navigation Order 2016 2016 5 duties
- Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 2018 5 duties
Occupiers also bound by 101 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (England/Wales comparison) 2005 23 duties
- Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 2006 21 duties
- Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (England) (No. 2) Order 2006 2006 15 duties
- Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations 2015 2015 13 duties
- Highways Act 1980 1980 12 duties
Traders also bound by 219 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Value Added Tax Regulations 1995 1995 952 duties
- TULRCA 1992 1992 39 duties
- Companies Act 2006 2006 39 duties
- Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 2013 39 duties
- The Customs (Import Duty) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 2018 33 duties
Directors and Officers also bound by 224 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016 2016 75 duties
- Companies Act 2006 2006 63 duties
- Insolvency Act 1986 1986 46 duties
- CCBSA 2014 2014 22 duties
- CAICEA 2004 2004 18 duties
Employers also bound by 171 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 1998 204 duties
- The Income Tax (Pay As You Earn) Regulations 2003 2003 201 duties
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 1989 55 duties
- Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 2006 51 duties
- TULRCA 1992 1992 47 duties
Distributors also bound by 33 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 2002 19 duties
- Value Added Tax Regulations 1995 1995 14 duties
- UK REACH Regulation (retained EU law) 2006 11 duties
- Electricity Act 1989 1989 9 duties
- Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation (UK CLP) 2008 7 duties
What this Act requires
Sections that create concrete duties on businesses or carry penalties. Procedural and definitional sections are folded into the “Browse other sections” expander at the bottom of each group. Click any section title to read the source text on legislation.gov.uk.
Part I — PRELIMINARY
General environmental and recreational duties.
- Protect the environment and provide recreation on water-associated land Statutory Undertaker
Browse 7 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
The Director General of Water Services.
Water Services Regulation Authority
General duties with respect to water industry.
Strategic priorities and objectives: England
Strategic priorities and objectives: Wales
Environmental duties with respect to sites of special interest.
Codes of practice with respect to environmental and recreational duties.
Part 2A — Regulation of provision of infrastructure
Tendering
- Water and sewerage undertakers must put specified projects out to tender Statutory Undertaker
Browse 5 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Regulations
Criteria for tendering
Designation as an infrastructure provider
Ministerial responsibility
Cross-border infrastructure projects
Part II — APPOINTMENTMENT AND REGULATION OF UNDERTAKERS
Continuity of appointments, replacement appointments etc.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Secretary of State must ensure continuous water and sewerage coverage Crown / Minister / Government department
Duties affecting making of appointments and variations.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Secretary of State and Ofwat must protect interests of outgoing water companies Crown / Minister / Government department
Determinations under conditions of appointment.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must determine price control disputes and water appointment questions Statutory regulator
Determination by CMA of appeal
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must determine water abstraction appeals based on specific criteria Tribunal / Court
CMA’s powers on allowing an appeal
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must quash or remit decisions when allowing water industry appeals Tribunal / Court
Time limits for CMA to determine an appeal
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must determine water industry appeals within set time limits Statutory regulator
Determination of appeal by CMA: supplementary
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must provide reasons and publish appeal determinations Statutory regulator
Modifications under section 12J: procedural requirements
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Secretary of State must follow procedures when modifying water appointments Crown / Minister / Government department
Modification references to CMA.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must notify water companies of CMA modification references Statutory regulator
Reports on modification references.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA and Ofwat must follow specific procedures for water license reports Statutory regulator
Modifications under section 16C: procedural requirements
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Welsh Ministers must follow specific procedures when modifying water appointments Crown / Minister / Government department
Guidance
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must publish and distribute guidance for water licensees Statutory regulator
Procedure for granting water supply and sewerage licences
- Comply with Ofwat requirements when applying for a water or sewerage licence Any Person
Applications forwarded to the Water Industry Commission for Scotland
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must forward water/sewerage licence applications to Scottish regulators Statutory regulator
Modification of licences by agreement
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must follow specific procedures to modify water or sewerage licences Statutory regulator
Modification of standard conditions
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must follow specific procedures to modify water or sewerage licences Statutory regulator
Modification references to competition authority
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must notify licence holders of competition authority references Statutory regulator
Reports on modification references
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must report on water licence modification references Statutory regulator
Effect of enforcement order.
- Comply with water industry enforcement orders Any Person
General duty of Authority to keep matters under review.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must monitor water and sewerage companies and provide advice Statutory regulator
Co-operation between Council and other authorities
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat and the Consumer Council must cooperate and exchange information Statutory regulator
The interests of consumers
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Consumer Council for Water must prioritize vulnerable and rural consumers Statutory regulator
Acquisition and review of information
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CCW must monitor water consumer interests and views Statutory regulator
Provision of information to consumers
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Consumer Council for Water must provide information to water consumers Statutory regulator
Provision of information by the Council
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Consumer Council for Water must provide information to authorities on request Statutory regulator
Consumer complaints
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Consumer Council for Water must investigate and mediate customer complaints Statutory regulator
Duty to consult Council
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must consult the Consumer Council for Water on its functions Statutory regulator
Copies of notices
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must send copies of published notices to the Consumer Council for Water Statutory regulator
Functions of Authority with respect to competition.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat and CMA must share powers to enforce competition in water services Statutory regulator
Duty to refer merger of water or sewerage undertakings.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must investigate water and sewerage company mergers Statutory regulator
Remuneration and standards of performance
- Disclose director pay linked to company performance Trader
Rules under section 35B: procedure
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must consult before making rules on remuneration and governance Statutory regulator
Authority to secure publication of financial overview
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must ensure water companies publish an annual financial overview Statutory regulator
Browse 67 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Appointment of relevant undertakers.
Procedure with respect to appointments and variations.
Transitional provision with respect to replacement appointments.
Power to impose conditions.
Modification of conditions of appointment: early effective date
Modifications of conditions under section 12A: supplementary
Appeal to the CMA
Procedure on appeal to CMA
Modification by the Secretary of State: special administration orders
Modification by agreement.
References under section 14: time limits
References under section 14: powers of investigation
Modification following report.
CMA's power of veto following report
CMA's power of veto following report: supplementary
Modification by the Welsh Ministers: special administration orders
Modification by order under other enactments.
Water supply licences
Water supply licences: restrictions on grants
Meaning of supply system
Sewerage licences
Sewerage licences: restrictions on grants
Meaning of household premises
The threshold requirement
Determinations by the Authority
Applications forwarded by the Water Industry Commission for Scotland
Licence conditions
Standard conditions of water supply licences
Standard conditions of sewerage licences
References under section 17K: time limits
References under section 17K: powers of investigation
Modification of licences following report
Power of veto following report
Section 17P: supplementary
Modification by order under other enactments
Orders for securing compliance with certain provisions.
Exceptions to duty to enforce.
Procedure for enforcement orders.
Validity of enforcement orders.
Penalties
Statement of policy with respect to penalties
Time limits on the imposition of financial penalties
Interest and payment of instalments
Appeals
Special administration orders made on special petitions.
Power to make special administration order on winding-up petition.
Restrictions on voluntary winding up and insolvency proceedings.
Establishment of the Council and committees
Provision of advice and information to public authorities
Power to publish information and advice about consumer matters
Provision of information to the Council
Publication of notice of reasons
Sections 27H to 27J: supplementary
Power to require information for purpose of monitoring
Customer service committees.
Power of Council to investigate other matters
Duties of Director with respect to complaints
Determination of disputes by the Authority.
Exclusion of small mergers from duty to make reference.
Exceptions to duty to make reference
Opinion of the Authority
Undertakings in lieu of a merger reference
Application of provisions of Enterprise Act 2002
Construction of merger provisions.
Rules about remuneration and governance
Rules under section 35B: minor or urgent variations
Interpretation of Part II.
Part III — WATER SUPPLY
General duty to maintain water supply system etc.
Unlimited fine- Maintain and develop an efficient water supply system Statutory Undertaker
Water resources management plans: preparation and review
- Prepare, publish, and maintain a water resources management plan Statutory Undertaker
Water resources management plans: publication and representations
- Water undertakers must draft and publish water management plans Statutory Undertaker
Water resources management plans: provision of information
- Provide information to water undertakers for resource planning Licence Holder
Water resources management plans: supplementary
- Comply with directions regarding water resources management plans Statutory Undertaker
Publication of statistical information about complaints
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- The Consumer Council for Water must publish complaint statistics Statutory regulator
Drought plans: preparation and review
Unlimited fine- Prepare, maintain and regularly review a drought plan Statutory Undertaker
Drought plans: provision of information
- Provide drought planning information to water undertakers Licence Holder
Codes under section 40B: procedure
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must follow specific procedures before issuing bulk water supply codes Statutory regulator
Rules under section 40E: provision about the reduction of charges
- Notify Ofwat if water supply charges are reduced under a bulk agreement Statutory Undertaker
Rules under section 40E: procedure
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must consult and seek government approval before setting water supply rules Statutory regulator
Duty to provide information about bulk supplies
- Provide information about bulk water supply agreements upon request Distributor
Duty to comply with water main requisition.
- Water companies must provide water mains when requested Statutory Undertaker
Duty to make connections with main.
- Water companies must connect your premises to the water main Statutory Undertaker
Duty to carry out ancillary works for the purpose of making domestic connection.
- Water companies must perform ancillary works for domestic connections Statutory Undertaker
Codes under section 51CA: procedure
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must consult before issuing water main vesting codes Statutory regulator
Rules under section 51CD: procedure
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must consult before issuing water charging rules Statutory regulator
Prohibition on connection without adoption
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must ensure water mains are adopted before connection Statutory regulator
Conditions of compliance with domestic supply duty.
- Meet utility conditions before receiving a domestic water supply Any Person
Enforcement of domestic supply duty.
- Maintain water supply and connections for domestic consumers Statutory Undertaker
Supplies for non-domestic purposes.
- Water companies must provide water for non-domestic purposes on request Statutory Undertaker
Duty to provide a supply of water etc. for fire-fighting.
Unlimited fine- Fail to meet fire‑fighting water supply duties Any Person
Disconnections at request of customer.
- Water undertakers must disconnect supply at your request Statutory Undertaker
Prohibition of use of limiting devices.
Fine up to £1,000- Use limiting devices to enforce payment of water charges Any Person
Duties of undertakers as respects constancy and pressure.
Unlimited fine- Maintain constant water supply and minimum pressure Statutory Undertaker
Codes under section 66DA: procedure
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must consult before issuing water supply codes Statutory regulator
Rules about charges: provision about the reduction of charges
- Water undertakers must notify Ofwat of reduced charges Statutory Undertaker
Rules under section 66E: procedure
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must consult before setting rules on water charging Statutory regulator
Prohibition on unauthorised use of supply system
Unlimited fine- Unauthorised use of water supply system Any Person
Prohibition on unauthorised introduction of water
2 years imprisonment- Introduce water into a supply system without authorisation Any Person
Duties of water undertakers and water supply licensees with respect to water quality.
- Ensure water supply is wholesome and quality does not deteriorate Licence Holder
Regulations for preserving water quality.
Unlimited fine- Breach of water quality preservation regulations Any Person
Offence of supplying water unfit for human consumption.
2 years imprisonment- Supply water unfit for human consumption Employer
Waste from water sources.
Fine up to £1,000- Cause waste of water from wells or over‑abstract water Any Person
Contamination of water sources.
2 years imprisonment- Pollute water used for human consumption or food manufacturing Any Person
Offences of contaminating, wasting and misusing water etc.
Fine up to £1,000- Fail to maintain water fittings or misuse water supply Occupier
Regulations for preventing contamination, waste etc. and with respect to water fittings.
Unlimited fine- Breach of water‑fitting or contamination regulations Any Person
Power to prevent damage and to take steps to prevent contamination, waste etc.
Fine up to £1,000- Fail to serve a required notice under section 75 Any Person
Temporary bans on use
Fine up to £1,000- Use water in breach of a temporary ban Any Person
General functions of local authorities in relation to water quality.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities must monitor the quality and sufficiency of water supplies Local authority
Local authority functions in relation to undertakers’ supplies.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Local authorities must notify water companies of supply quality or safety issues Local authority
Local authority functions where piped supplies insufficient or unwholesome.
- Water undertakers must provide emergency non-piped water if supplies are unsafe Statutory Undertaker
Local authority power to obtain information for the purposes of functions under Chapter III.
Unlimited fine- Fail to provide information to a local authority Any Person
Appointment and functions of inspectors
- Co‑operate with drinking‑water inspectors Trader
Procedure for dealing with complaints.
- Establish and publish a formal water supply complaints procedure Statutory Undertaker
Fluoridation arrangements: compliance
- Use only approved chemicals for water fluoridation Statutory Undertaker
Secretary of State's duty in relation to fluoridation proposal
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Secretary of State must fulfill duties regarding water fluoridation proposals Crown / Minister / Government department
Secretary of State's duty in relation to requests for variation or termination
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Secretary of State must respond to requests to change or end water agreements Crown / Minister / Government department
Review of fluoridation
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Relevant authorities must monitor and report on health effects of fluoridation Crown / Minister / Government department
Browse 91 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Water resources management plans for England: resilience
Standards of performance in connection with water supply.
Information with respect to levels of performance.
Standards of performance in connection with the supply of water: water supply licensees
Procedure for regulations under section 38.
Information to be given to customers about overall performance.
Drought plans: supplementary
Procedure for regulations under section 38ZA
Bulk supplies.
Variation and termination of bulk supply agreements.
Codes in respect of bulk supply agreements
Codes under section 40B: minor or urgent revisions
Rules about charges for the supply of water in bulk
Rules under section 40E: minor or urgent revisions
Rules under section 40E: guidance
Financial conditions of compliance.
Calculation of “relevant deficit” for the purposes of section 42.
Calculation of “ discounted aggregate deficit ” for the purposes of section 42
Determination of completion date and route for requisitioned main.
Conditions of connection with water main.
Interest on sums deposited in pursuance of the deposit condition.
Supplemental provisions with respect to the metering conditions.
Restriction on imposition of condition requiring separate service pipes.
Agreements to adopt water main or service pipe at future date
Adoption at a future date: orders by Authority
Variation and termination of section 51A agreements
Codes in respect of section 51A agreements
Codes under section 51CA: minor or urgent revisions
Rules about charges in connection with a section 51A agreement
Rules under section 51CD: minor or urgent revisions
Rules under section 51CD: guidance
Sections 51A to 51D: supplementary
The domestic supply duty.
Determinations on requests for non-domestic supplies.
Specially requested fire-hydrants.
Supplies for other public purposes.
Disconnections for the carrying out of necessary works.
Supply by water supply licensee : domestic supply
Supply by water supply licensee : non-domestic supply
Interim duty: domestic and non-domestic supply
Interim duty: supplementary
Interim licensees: schemes for terms and conditions
Interim duty: code
Supply by means of separate service pipes.
Requirements by undertaker for maintaining pressure.
Wholesale water supply by primary water undertaker
Water supply from water undertaker
Introduction of water into water undertaker's supply system
Introduction of water provided by secondary water undertaker
Determinations by Authority
Agreements as to duties under sections 66A to 66C
Codes in respect of section 66D agreements
Codes under section 66DA: minor or urgent revisions
Rules about charges
Rules under section 66E: minor or urgent revisions
Rules under section 66E: guidance
Designation of strategic supply
Designation of collective strategic supply
Sections 66I and 66J: exemptions
Section 66K: supplementary
Standards of wholesomeness.
Temporary bans: supplemental
Temporary bans: procedure
Orders under sections 76 and 76A
Remedial powers of local authorities in relation to private supplies.
Confirmation of private supply notices.
Enforcement and variation of private supply notice.
Application of certain powers to local authorities in relation to private supplies.
Local authority rights of entry etc.
Charging of fees
Fluoridation of water supplies
Fluoridation arrangements: determination of terms
Power to vary permitted fluoridation agents.
Power to vary target concentration of fluoride
Requirement for fluoridation proposal: England
Initial consultation etc. on fluoridation proposal
Additional requirements where other local authorities affected
Decision on fluoridation proposal
Decision-making procedure: exercise of functions by committee
Payments by local authorities towards fluoridation costs
Variation or termination of arrangements under section 87(1)
Initial consultation etc. on variation or termination proposal
Additional requirements where other local authorities affected
Decision on variation or termination proposal
Decision-making procedure: exercise of functions by committee
Power to make regulations as to maintenance of section 87 arrangements
Consultation ...
Indemnities in respect of fluoridation.
Old English fluoridation arrangements: transitional provision
Old Welsh fluoridation arrangements: transitional provision
Power to give effect to international obligations etc.
Part IIIA — Promotion of the Efficient Use of Water
Duty to promote the efficient use of water.
- Promote the efficient use of water to your customers Licence Holder
Browse 2 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Power of Authority to impose requirements on water undertakers.
Publicity of requirements imposed under section 93B.
Part IV — SEWERAGE SERVICES
General duty to provide sewerage system.
- Maintain and extend public sewerage systems for effective drainage Statutory Undertaker
Drainage and sewerage management plans: preparation and review
- Prepare and maintain a drainage and sewerage management plan Statutory Undertaker
Drainage and sewerage management plans: directions
- Sewerage undertakers must comply with government directions on management plans Statutory Undertaker
Publication of statistical information about complaints
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- The Consumer Council for Water must publish complaint statistics Statutory regulator
Nutrient pollution standards to apply to certain sewage disposal works
- Upgrade sewage plants to meet nutrient pollution standards Statutory Undertaker
Information about catchment areas and nutrient significant plants
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Secretary of State must publish maps and lists of nutrient sensitive areas Crown / Minister / Government department
Duty to comply with sewer requisition.
- Water companies must provide public sewers or drains upon request Statutory Undertaker
Calculation of “relevant deficit” for the purposes of section 99.
Amended 2 timesCalculation of “ discounted aggregate deficit ” for the purposes of section 99
Amended 2 timesDetermination of completion date and route for requisitioned sewer or lateral drain.
Amended 1 timePower to construct lateral drains following provision of public sewer
Amended 1 timeAdoption of sewers and disposal works.
Amended 10 timesAdoption of cross-border sewers etc.
Amended 4 timesAgreements to adopt sewer, drain or sewage disposal works, at future date
Amended 14 timesAppeals with respect to adoption.
Amended 7 timesSchemes for the adoption of sewers, lateral drains and sewage disposal works
Amended 7 times- Sewerage undertakers must adopt sewers and drains under statutory schemes Statutory Undertaker
Adoption schemes: appeals
Amended 7 timesAdoption schemes: supplementary
Amended 7 timesAdoption at a future date: orders by Authority
Amended 7 timesVariation and termination of section 104 agreements
Amended 7 timesCodes in respect of section 104 agreements
Amended 7 timesCodes under section 105ZC: minor or urgent revisions
Amended 7 timesRules about charges in connection with a section 104 agreement
Amended 7 timesRules under section 105ZF: procedure
Amended 7 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must consult before issuing sewerage charging rules Statutory regulator
Rules under section 105ZF: guidance
Amended 7 timesRight to communicate with public sewers.
Amended 196 timesSustainable drainage
Amended 196 timesRequirement to enter into agreement before construction
Amended 196 timesRight of sewerage undertaker to undertake the making of communications with public sewers.
Fine up to £2,500 Amended 8 times- Make a sewer connection after undertaker notice Any Person
Communication works by person entitled to communication.
Unlimited fine Amended 1 time- Notify and assist the sewer undertaker when connecting to public sewers Any Person
Unlawful communications.
Fine up to £2,500- Unlawfully connecting a drain or sewer to a public sewer Any Person
Codes under section 110C: procedure
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must consult on and seek Ministerial approval for sewerage codes Statutory regulator
Rules under section 110F: provision about the reduction of charges
- Sewerage undertakers must notify Ofwat of cost-saving charge reductions Statutory Undertaker
Rules under section 110F: procedure
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must consult and seek government approval before setting charging rules Statutory regulator
Interim duty: supplementary
- You may be liable for losses caused by breaching interim sewerage duties Licence Holder
Restrictions on use of public sewers.
2 years imprisonment Amended 4 times- Discharge prohibited waste into a public sewer Any Person
Power to alter drainage system of premises in area.
Amended 3 timesUse of highway drains as sewers and vice versa.
Amended 1 timeProcedures for dealing with complaints.
- Establish and publish a formal complaints procedure Statutory Undertaker
Interpretation of Chapter II.
Amended 2 timesUse of undertaker's sewerage system
Amended 2 timesMatter dealt with by sewerage undertaker
Amended 2 timesRemoval of matter from sewerage system by a sewerage licensee
Amended 2 timesConnections for the purposes of a disposal authorisation
Amended 2 timesAgreements as to duties under sections 117A to 117D
Amended 2 timesCodes in respect of section 117E agreements
Amended 2 timesCodes under section 117F: procedure
Amended 2 timesCodes under section 117F: minor or urgent revisions
Amended 2 timesRules about charges
Amended 2 timesRules under section 117I: procedure
Amended 2 timesRules under section 117I: minor or urgent revisions
Amended 2 timesRules under section 117I: guidance
Amended 2 timesDesignation of strategic sewerage provision
Amended 2 timesDesignation of collective strategic sewerage provision
Amended 2 timesProhibition on unauthorised use of sewerage system
Unlimited fine Amended 2 times- Unauthorised use of sewerage system Any Person
Prohibition on unauthorised removal of matter from sewerage system
2 years imprisonment Amended 2 times- Remove matter from sewerage system without permission Any Person
Sections 117P and 117Q: exemptions
Amended 2 timesSection 117R: supplementary
Amended 2 timesConsent required for discharge of trade effluent into public sewer.
Unlimited fine Amended 9 times- Discharge trade effluent into public sewer without consent Occupier
Application for consent.
Amended 2 timesApplications for the discharge of special category effluent.
Unlimited fine Amended 5 times- Fail to refer special category effluent application to agency Any Person
Conditions of consent.
Unlimited fine Amended 3 times- Breach a condition of trade effluent consent Occupier
Appeals with respect to the discharge of special category effluent.
Amended 3 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must refer special effluent issues to the Environment Agency during appeals Statutory regulator
Variations within time limit.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Sewerage undertakers must pay compensation for early discharge variations Statutory regulator
Review by the appropriate agency of consents relating to special category effluent.
Amended 5 timesReference to the appropriate agency of agreements relating to special category effluent.
Unlimited fine Amended 5 times- Fail to refer special‑category effluent agreement to the appropriate agency Any Person
Review by the appropriate agency of agreements relating to special category effluent.
Amended 5 timesPowers and procedure on references and reviews.
Amended 15 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Regulators must consult and notify businesses during effluent reviews Statutory regulator
Effect of determination on reference or review.
Unlimited fine Amended 3 times- Fail to act on a regulator’s sewerage notice Any Person
Compensation in respect of determinations made for the protection of public health etc.
Amended 5 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Regulators must compensate businesses for losses caused by health reviews Statutory regulator
Power of the appropriate agency to acquire information for the purpose of its functions in relation to special category effluent.
2 years imprisonment- Fail to provide information or give false data on special effluent Any Person
Meaning of “special category effluent”.
Amended 13 timesPower to apply Chapter III to other effluents.
Amended 1 timeInterpretation of Chapter III.
Amended 2 timesProgress reports on storm overflow discharge reduction plan
Amended 2 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Secretary of State must publish progress reports on storm overflows Crown / Minister / Government department
Annual reports on discharges from storm overflows
Unlimited fine Amended 2 times- Publish annual reports on storm overflow discharges Statutory Undertaker
Environment Agency reports
Amended 2 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Environment Agency must publish annual reports on storm overflow operations Statutory regulator
Reporting on discharges from storm overflows
Amended 2 timesMonitoring quality of water potentially affected by discharges from storm overflows and sewage disposal works
Amended 2 timesInterpretation of Chapter 4
Amended 2 timesBrowse 42 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Drainage and sewerage management plans: power to amend period
Drainage and sewerage management plans: regulations about procedure
Regulations under section 94C: supplementary
Standards of performance in connection with provision of sewerage services.
Information with respect to levels of performance.
Standards of performance in connection with provision of sewerage services: sewerage licensees
Procedure for regulations under section 95.
Information to be given to customers about overall performance.
Sensitive catchment areas
Exempt sewage disposal works
Upgrade date
Nutrient pollution standards
Nutrient pollution standards determined through environmental permitting
Section 96G : procedure and revocations
Section 96B : enforcement and interaction with other provisions
Sections 96B to 96K, 96M and 96N: interpretation
New and altered plants: modifications
Setting and enforcing nutrient pollution standards
Procedure for regulations under section 95ZA
Performance of sewerage undertaker’s functions by local authorities etc.
Financial conditions of compliance.
Determination of disputes with respect to cross boundary sewers.
Main connections
Codes in respect of main connection agreements
Codes under section 110C: minor or urgent revisions
Rules about charges for permitting main connections
Rules under section 110F: minor or urgent revisions
Rules under section 110F: guidance
Interim duty: sewerage undertakers and sewerage licensees
Interim licensees: schemes for terms and conditions
Interim duty: code
Drainage systems relieving public sewers
Power to close or restrict use of public sewer.
Appeals to the Authority with respect to decisions on applications etc.
Variation of consents.
Appeals with respect to variations of consent.
Application for variation of time for discharge.
Agreements with respect to the disposal etc of trade effluent.
Restrictions on power to fix charges under Chapter III.
Evidence from meters etc.
Statement of case on appeal.
Pre-1989 Act authority for trade effluent discharges etc.
Part V — FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
Powers of undertakers to charge.
Amended 6 timesCharges schemes.
Amended 7 timesSpecial provision under section 143A: financial arrangements
Amended 7 timesSpecial provision under section 143A: consultation
Amended 7 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Secretary of State must consult before changing water company charges Crown / Minister / Government department
Rules about charges schemes
Amended 7 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must set and maintain rules for water and sewerage charging schemes Statutory regulator
Rules under section 143B: procedure
Amended 7 timesRules under section 143B: minor or urgent revisions
Amended 7 timesRules under section 143B: guidance
Amended 7 timesLiability of occupiers etc. for charges.
Amended 2 timesRight of consumer to elect for charging by reference to volume.
Amended 2 timesRestriction on undertakers’ power to require fixing of charges by reference to volume.
Amended 2 timesNon-owner occupiers
Amended 2 timesRules about charges for connections etc
Amended 2 timesRules under section 144ZA: procedure
Amended 2 timesRules under section 144ZA: minor or urgent revisions
Amended 2 timesGeneral guidance on charges
Amended 2 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ministers must issue charging guidance and consult affected businesses Crown / Minister / Government department
Guidance under section 144ZE: procedure
Amended 2 times. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Amended 1 timeConnection charges etc. and charges for highway drainage.
Amended 5 timesCharging for emergency use of water.
Amended 4 timesRestriction on charging for metering works.
Amended 3 timesFurther provision relating to charging by volume.
Amended 1 timeFixing maximum charges for services provided with the help of undertakers’ services.
Amended 5 times- Do not charge more than the maximum set for water or sewerage services Trader
Billing disputes.
Amended 5 times- Notify customers before starting court proceedings for unpaid bills Statutory Undertaker
Meaning of “consumer” in Chapter I.
Amended 5 times. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Amended 2 timesGrants for national security purposes.
Amended 2 timesGovernment financial assistance where special administration orders made.
Amended 4 timesGuarantees under section 153.
Amended 3 timesFinancial assistance to reduce charges
Amended 3 timesPart VI — UNDERTAKERS ’ POWERS AND WORKS
Compulsory purchase.
Amended 1 timePowers to lay pipes in streets.
Amended 17 timesPower to deal with foul water and pollution.
Amended 5 timesWorks in connection with metering.
Amended 8 timesPower to fit stopcocks.
Amended 3 timesAgreements for works with respect to water sources.
Amended 1 timeDischarges for works purposes.
Fine up to £1,000 Amended 1 time- Discharge contaminated water during works Any Person
Consents for certain discharges under section 165.
Fine up to £1,000 Amended 4 times- Fail to comply with water discharge consent requirements Any Person
Compulsory works orders.
Amended 4 timesEntry for works purposes.
Amended 1 timeEntry for sewerage purposes.
Amended 4 timesImpersonation of persons entitled to entry.
Fine up to £2,500- Impersonate authorised entry to water premises or vessels Any Person
Offence of tampering with meter.
Fine up to £1,000 Amended 9 times- Tamper with water or sewerage meter Any Person
Obstruction of sewerage works etc.
Fine up to £200- Obstruct sewerage works or related activities Any Person
Compensation for damage caused by works etc.
Amended 1 timeComplaints with respect to the exercise of works powers on private land.
Fine up to £5,000 Amended 2 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must investigate complaints about works on private land Statutory regulator
Codes of practice with respect to work on private land.
Amended 1 time- Create and follow a code of practice for work on private land Statutory Undertaker
Protection for particular undertakings.
Amended 1 timePower of certain undertakers to alter public sewers etc.
Amended 5 timesDuty to move pipes etc. in certain cases.
Amended 4 times- Water companies must move pipes if requested for land improvements Statutory Undertaker
Protective provisions in respect of flood defence works and watercourses etc.
Amended 1 timeWorks in tidal lands etc.
Amended 1 timeDuties to make recreational facilities available when building reservoirs in Wales.
Amended 1 time- Provide recreational facilities when building reservoirs in Wales Statutory Undertaker
Interpretation of Part VI.
Amended 1 timeBrowse 8 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Byelaws with respect to undertakers’ waterways and land.
Power to carry out works for sewerage purposes.
Entry etc. for other purposes.
Entry for metering purposes.
Consent for the purposes of section 175.
Financial obligations with respect to any interference with a meter.
Mineral rights.
Power to sell minerals deriving from sewerage works.
Part 7A — Further provision about regulation
Appeals to the CMA
Amended 1 timeProcedure on appeals
Amended 1 timePart VII — INFORMATION PROVISIONS
Forward work programmes
Amended 1 timeOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat and CCW must publish annual forward work programmes Statutory regulator
Annual and other reports
Amended 1 timeReports by Director.
Amended 1 timeReports by customer service committees.
Amended 1 timethe Authority's register.
Amended 25 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofwat must maintain a public register of water industry licences and orders Statutory regulator
Reasons for decisions
Amended 25 timesTrade effluent registers.
- Sewerage undertakers must maintain public registers of trade effluent consents Statutory Undertaker
Register for the purposes of works discharges.
Fine up to £1,000- Fail to keep required works‑discharge register Any Person
Maps of waterworks.
Amended 3 times- Maintain and provide public access to maps of waterworks Statutory Undertaker
Sewer maps.
Amended 3 times- Sewerage undertakers must maintain and publish maps of the sewer network Statutory Undertaker
Provision of sewer maps to local authorities.
Amended 1 time- Provide up-to-date sewer maps to local authorities Statutory Undertaker
Publication of certain information and advice.
Amended 7 timesDuties of undertakers to furnish the Secretary of State with information.
Unlimited fine Amended 14 times- Provide information to the Secretary of State upon request Statutory Undertaker
Power to acquire information for enforcement purposes.
Unlimited fine Amended 9 times- Fail to comply with information notice Any Person
Provision of information to sewerage undertakers with respect to trade effluent discharges.
Fine up to £1,000- Fail to provide information to sewerage undertaker Occupier
Exchange of metering information between undertakers.
Unlimited fine Amended 14 times- Share meter readings with other water or sewerage service providers Any Person
Duty to prepare and publish plans
Amended 14 timesSections 205A and 205B: enforcement and sanctions
Amended 14 timesRestriction on disclosure of information.
2 years imprisonment Amended 49 times- Unauthorised disclosure of water‑industry information Any Person
Provision of false information.
Unlimited fine Amended 1 time- Provide false information to water regulator Any Person
Part VIII — MISCELLANEOUS AND SUPPLEMENTAL
Civil liability of undertakers for escapes of water etc.
Amended 3 timesRights of tenants in relation to metering.
Amended 3 timesOffences by bodies corporate.
Unlimited fine- Be personally liable for a corporation’s water offence Director or Officer
Limitation on right to prosecute in respect of sewerage offences.
Amended 1 timeJudicial disqualification.
Amended 1 timePowers to make regulations.
Amended 18 timesConstruction of provision conferring powers by reference to undertakers’ functions.
Amended 5 timesGeneral interpretation.
Amended 42 timesCrown application.
Amended 3 timesApplication to the Isles of Scilly.
Amended 1 timeBrowse 5 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Schedules
SUPPLEMENTAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO RIGHTS OF ENTRY
Fine up to £200- Wilfully obstruct entry by water authority Any Person
PRE-1989 ACT TRANSITIONAL AUTHORITY FOR TRADE EFFLUENT DISCHARGES ETC.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Sewerage undertakers must convert old 'deemed' effluent consents into actual ones Statutory regulator
PROTECTIVE PROVISIONS IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN UNDERTAKINGS
Fine up to £1,000- Carry out street works without required consent Any Person
Transitional Provision on Termination of Appointments
Unlimited fine- Fail to provide information or assistance to regulator Any Person
SPECIAL ADMINISTRATION ORDERS
- Produce and update a proposal when a special administration order is made Director or Officer
The Consumer Council for Water
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Consumer Council for Water must publish annual activity and progress reports Statutory regulator
COMPENSATION ETC. IN RESPECT OF PIPE-LAYING AND OTHER WORKS POWERS
- Compensate for damage caused during pipe-laying or street works Statutory Undertaker
PROCEDURE ON APPEALS UNDER SECTION 207A
2 years imprisonment- Fail to comply with appeal requirements or give false statements Any Person
Browse 14 other Schedules — structural / supplementary
Remuneration, pensions etc.
PRE-1985 FLUORIDATION SCHEMES
PROCEDURE RELATING TO BYELAWS UNDER SECTION 157
MINERAL RIGHTS
The Water Services Regulation Authority
SEWERAGE LICENCES: AUTHORISATIONS
Procedure for appeals under section 12D
Sub-committees
Premises that are not to be disconnected for non-payment of charges
Application of provisions of Enterprise Act 2002 to mergers of water enterprises
PROCEDURE FOR ORDERS RELATING TO PRESSURE AND CONSTANCY OF SUPPLY
MODIFICATION OF COMPENSATION PROVISIONS ETC. IN RELATION TO THE CREATION OF NEW RIGHTS
ORDERS CONFERRING COMPULSORY WORKS POWERS
DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION
Official guidance
Authoritative sources published by regulators or government explaining this legislation.
- CIRIA SuDS Manual C753 (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- DWI: drinking water quality (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Ofwat: sewerage undertakers (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- GOV.UK: environmental permits (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Animal by-products: categories, approval, hygiene and disposal (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- HSE: Avoiding danger from underground services (HSG47) (opens in a new tab) from HSE Detailed Guidance
- L101 — Safe work in confined spaces (Approved Code of Practice) (opens in a new tab) from HSE Detailed Guidance
- Welsh Government SuDS statutory guidance (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- DEFRA Non-Statutory Technical Standards for SuDS (opens in a new tab) Publication
- CIRIA SuDS Manual C753 (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- ... and 22 more
Enforcement and responsible bodies
The regulators that administer or enforce this legislation.
Environment Agency
PrimaryEnvironmental protection in England. Regulates waste, emissions, water quality, flood risk, and environmental permits for industrial activities. Enforces environmental law and issues …
Competition and Markets Authority
Promotes competitive markets and tackles unfair behaviour. Investigates mergers, enforces competition law, and has specific digital markets powers. Digital Markets Unit (DMU) …
Water Services Regulation Authority
Economic regulator for the water and sewerage sectors in England and Wales. Sets price limits, monitors service quality, and enforces environmental duties. …
Drinking Water Inspectorate
Regulates drinking water quality in England and Wales. Audits water companies, investigates water quality incidents, and approves products and substances used in …
Office for Environmental Protection
Independent body established post-Brexit to scrutinise environmental law and investigate complaints about public authorities' failures to comply with environmental law in England …
Mining Remediation Authority (formerly Coal Authority)
Manages effects of historical coal mining in England, Scotland, and Wales. Handles subsidence damage claims, mine water pollution, and other mining legacy …
Natural Resources Wales
Principal environmental regulator for Wales. Combines functions of Environment Agency Wales, Countryside Council for Wales, and Forestry Commission Wales. Issues environmental permits, …
Connected legislation
10 statutory instruments
These instruments amend, apply, or refer to this Act. They may not all create direct business obligations.
Secondary legislation (10)
- The Private Water Supplies Regulations 2009 (revoked) 2009
- The Surface Waters and Water Resources (Miscellaneous Revocations) Regulations 2015 2015
- The Water Industry Act 1991 (Amendment) Order 2024 2024
- The Water Industry (Charges) (Vulnerable Groups) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 2000
- The Water Industry (Charges) (Vulnerable Groups) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 2003
- The Water Industry (Charges) (Vulnerable Groups) (Amendment) Regulations 2005 2005
- The Water Industry (Prescribed Conditions) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 2007
- The Water Industry (Specified Infrastructure Projects) (English Undertakers) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 2015
- The Water Industry (Specified Infrastructure Projects) (English Undertakers) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 2020
- Water Industry (Charges) (Vulnerable Groups) Regulations 1999 1999
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Browse legislation
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Regulators
Learn more about the bodies that enforce this legislation.