UK Act of Parliament 1991 United Kingdom

Water Industry Act 1991

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At a glance

What's here

202 compliance obligations, 20 practical guides across 3 topics · 7 journeys · 10 statutory instruments

Penalty landscape

28 of 202 obligations carry an unlimited fine. 25 carry different penalties and 149 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.

  • Any Person 63
  • Statutory Undertaker 52
  • Licence Holder 8
  • Occupier 5
  • Trader 4
  • Director or Officer 2
  • Employer 1
  • Distributor 1

Plus 66 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.

Relevant guidance

Practical guides for businesses affected by this Act, ordered by how closely they engage with it.

Direct — cites this Act

7 guides

Supporting — topic alignment

8 guides

Mentioned in related content

5 guides
View all 20 guides →

Other 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.

Any Person also bound by 2338 other Acts (top 5 shown)
Statutory Undertakers also bound by 169 other Acts (top 5 shown)
Licence Holders also bound by 221 other Acts (top 5 shown)
Occupiers also bound by 259 other Acts (top 5 shown)
Traders also bound by 826 other Acts (top 5 shown)
Directors and Officers also bound by 425 other Acts (top 5 shown)
Employers also bound by 694 other Acts (top 5 shown)
Distributors also bound by 177 other Acts (top 5 shown)

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

Browse 7 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
s.001

Water Services Regulation Authority

s.002

Strategic priorities and objectives: England

s.002

Strategic priorities and objectives: Wales

Part 2A — Regulation of provision of infrastructure

s.036

Tendering

  • Water and sewerage undertakers must put specified projects out to tender Statutory Undertaker
Browse 6 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
s.036

Regulations

s.036

Criteria for tendering

s.036

Designation as an infrastructure provider

s.036

Ministerial responsibility

s.036

Cross-border infrastructure projects

s.036

Regulations: procedure

Part II — APPOINTMENTMENT AND REGULATION OF UNDERTAKERS

s.012

Determination by CMA of appeal

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • CMA must determine water abstraction appeals based on specific criteria Tribunal / Court
s.012

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
s.012

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
s.012

Determination of appeal by CMA: supplementary

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • CMA must provide reasons and publish appeal determinations Statutory regulator
s.012

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
s.014

Modification references to CMA.

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofwat must notify water companies of CMA modification references Statutory regulator
s.016

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
s.017

Guidance

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofwat must publish and distribute guidance for water licensees Statutory regulator
s.017

Procedure for granting water supply and sewerage licences

  • Comply with Ofwat requirements when applying for a water or sewerage licence Any Person
s.017

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
s.017

Modification of licences by agreement

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofwat must follow specific procedures to modify water or sewerage licences Statutory regulator
s.017

Modification of standard conditions

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofwat must follow specific procedures to modify water or sewerage licences Statutory regulator
s.017

Modification references to competition authority

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofwat must notify licence holders of competition authority references Statutory regulator
s.017

Reports on modification references

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • CMA must report on water licence modification references Statutory regulator
s.027

Co-operation between Council and other authorities

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofwat and the Consumer Council must cooperate and exchange information Statutory regulator
s.027

The interests of consumers

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Consumer Council for Water must prioritize vulnerable and rural consumers Statutory regulator
s.027

Acquisition and review of information

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • CCW must monitor water consumer interests and views Statutory regulator
s.027

Provision of information to consumers

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Consumer Council for Water must provide information to water consumers Statutory regulator
s.027

Provision of information by the Council

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Consumer Council for Water must provide information to authorities on request Statutory regulator
s.029

Consumer complaints

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Consumer Council for Water must investigate and mediate customer complaints Statutory regulator
s.030

Duty to consult Council

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofwat must consult the Consumer Council for Water on its functions Statutory regulator
s.030

Copies of notices

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofwat must send copies of published notices to the Consumer Council for Water Statutory regulator
s.035

Remuneration and standards of performance

  • Disclose director pay linked to company performance Trader
s.035

Rules under section 35B: procedure

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofwat must consult before making rules on remuneration and governance Statutory regulator
s.035

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 69 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
s.012

Modification by the Authority

s.012

Modification of conditions of appointment: early effective date

s.012

Modifications of conditions under section 12A: supplementary

s.012

Appeal to the CMA

s.012

Procedure on appeal to CMA

s.012

Modification by the Secretary of State: special administration orders

s.014

References under section 14: time limits

s.014

References under section 14: powers of investigation

s.016

CMA's power of veto following report

s.016

CMA's power of veto following report: supplementary

s.016

Modification by the Welsh Ministers: special administration orders

s.017

Water supply licences

s.017

Water supply licences: restrictions on grants

s.017

Meaning of supply system

s.017

Sewerage licences

s.017

Sewerage licences: restrictions on grants

s.017

Meaning of household premises

s.017

The threshold requirement

s.017

Determinations by the Authority

s.017

Applications forwarded by the Water Industry Commission for Scotland

s.017

Licence conditions

s.017

Standard conditions of water supply licences

s.017

Standard conditions of sewerage licences

s.017

References under section 17K: time limits

s.017

References under section 17K: powers of investigation

s.017

Modification of licences following report

s.017

Power of veto following report

s.017

Section 17P: supplementary

s.017

Modification by order under other enactments

s.022

Penalties

s.022

Statement of policy with respect to penalties

s.022

Time limits on the imposition of financial penalties

s.022

Interest and payment of instalments

s.022

Appeals

s.022

Recovery of penalties

s.027

Establishment of the Council and committees

s.027

Provision of advice and information to public authorities

s.027

Power to publish information and advice about consumer matters

s.027

Provision of information to the Council

s.027

Publication of notice of reasons

s.027

Sections 27H to 27J: supplementary

s.027

Power to require information for purpose of monitoring

s.029

Power of Council to investigate other matters

s.030

Determination of disputes by the Authority.

s.033

Exceptions to duty to make reference

s.033

Opinion of the Authority

s.033

Statement of methods

s.033

Undertakings in lieu of a merger reference

s.035

Rules about remuneration and governance

s.035

Rules under section 35B: minor or urgent variations

Part III — WATER SUPPLY

s.037

Water resources management plans: preparation and review

  • Prepare, publish, and maintain a water resources management plan Statutory Undertaker
s.037

Water resources management plans: publication and representations

  • Water undertakers must draft and publish water management plans Statutory Undertaker
s.037

Water resources management plans: provision of information

  • Provide information to water undertakers for resource planning Licence Holder
s.037

Water resources management plans: supplementary

  • Comply with directions regarding water resources management plans Statutory Undertaker
s.038

Publication of statistical information about complaints

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • The Consumer Council for Water must publish complaint statistics Statutory regulator
s.039

Drought plans: preparation and review

Unlimited fine
  • Prepare, maintain and regularly review a drought plan Statutory Undertaker
s.039

Drought plans: provision of information

  • Provide drought planning information to water undertakers Licence Holder
s.040

Codes under section 40B: procedure

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofwat must follow specific procedures before issuing bulk water supply codes Statutory regulator
s.040

Rules under section 40E: provision about the reduction of charges

  • Notify Ofwat if water supply charges are reduced under a bulk agreement Statutory Undertaker
s.040

Rules under section 40E: procedure

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofwat must consult and seek government approval before setting water supply rules Statutory regulator
s.040

Duty to provide information about bulk supplies

  • Provide information about bulk water supply agreements upon request Distributor
s.051

Codes under section 51CA: procedure

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofwat must consult before issuing water main vesting codes Statutory regulator
s.051

Rules under section 51CD: procedure

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofwat must consult before issuing water charging rules Statutory regulator
s.051

Prohibition on connection without adoption

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofwat must ensure water mains are adopted before connection Statutory regulator
s.063

Prohibition of use of limiting devices.

Fine up to £1,000
  • Use limiting devices to enforce payment of water charges Any Person
  • Use water-limiting device to force payment Any Person
s.066

Water supply from water undertaker

  • Water undertaker must supply water to licensed retailers on request Statutory Undertaker
s.066

Codes under section 66DA: procedure

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofwat must consult before issuing water supply codes Statutory regulator
s.066

Rules about charges: provision about the reduction of charges

  • Water undertakers must notify Ofwat of reduced charges Statutory Undertaker
s.066

Rules under section 66E: procedure

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofwat must consult before setting rules on water charging Statutory regulator
s.066

Prohibition on unauthorised use of supply system

Unlimited fine
  • Unauthorised use of water supply system Any Person
s.066

Prohibition on unauthorised introduction of water

Unlimited fine
  • Introduce water into a supply system without authorisation Any Person
s.071

Waste from water sources.

Fine up to £1,000
  • Cause waste of water from wells or over‑abstract water Any Person
  • Waste or over-abstract water from a well or borehole Any Person
s.072

Contamination of water sources.

2 years imprisonment
  • Contaminate a water source used for drinking or food production Any Person
  • Pollute water used for human consumption or food manufacturing Any Person
s.076

Temporary bans on use

Fine up to £1,000
  • Contravene a temporary water use ban Any Person
  • Use water in breach of a temporary ban Any Person
s.086

Procedure for dealing with complaints.

  • Establish and publish a formal water supply complaints procedure Statutory Undertaker
s.087

Fluoridation arrangements: compliance

  • Use only approved chemicals for water fluoridation Statutory Undertaker
s.090

Review of fluoridation

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Relevant authorities must monitor and report on health effects of fluoridation Crown / Minister / Government department
Browse 98 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
s.037

Water resources management plans for England: resilience

s.038

Information with respect to levels of performance.

s.038

Standards of performance in connection with the supply of water: water supply licensees

s.039

Information to be given to customers about overall performance.

s.039

Drought plans: supplementary

s.039

Procedure for regulations under section 38ZA

s.040

Variation and termination of bulk supply agreements.

s.040

Codes in respect of bulk supply agreements

s.040

Codes under section 40B: minor or urgent revisions

s.040

Rules about charges for the supply of water in bulk

s.040

Rules under section 40E: minor or urgent revisions

s.040

Rules under section 40E: guidance

s.043

Calculation of “ discounted aggregate deficit ” for the purposes of section 42

s.051

Agreements to adopt water main or service pipe at future date

s.051

Adoption at a future date: orders by Authority

s.051

Variation and termination of section 51A agreements

s.051

Codes in respect of section 51A agreements

s.051

Codes under section 51CA: minor or urgent revisions

s.051

Rules about charges in connection with a section 51A agreement

s.051

Rules under section 51CD: minor or urgent revisions

s.051

Rules under section 51CD: guidance

s.051

Sections 51A to 51D: supplementary

s.063

Supply by water supply licensee : domestic supply

s.063

Supply by water supply licensee : non-domestic supply

s.063

Interim duty: domestic and non-domestic supply

s.063

Interim duty: supplementary

s.063

Interim licensees: schemes for terms and conditions

s.063

Interim duty: code

s.066

Wholesale water supply by primary water undertaker

s.066

Introduction of water into water undertaker's supply system

s.066

Introduction of water provided by secondary water undertaker

s.066

Determinations by Authority

s.066

Agreements as to duties under sections 66A to 66C

s.066

Codes in respect of section 66D agreements

s.066

Codes under section 66DA: minor or urgent revisions

s.066

Rules about charges

s.066

Rules under section 66E: minor or urgent revisions

s.066

Rules under section 66E: guidance

s.066

Section 66D: supplementary

s.066

Designation of strategic supply

s.066

Designation of collective strategic supply

s.066

Sections 66I and 66J: exemptions

s.066

Section 66K: supplementary

s.076

Temporary bans: supplemental

s.076

Temporary bans: procedure

s.076

Orders under sections 76 and 76A

s.086

Charging of fees

s.087

Target concentration of fluoride

s.087

Fluoridation arrangements: determination of terms

s.088

Power to vary target concentration of fluoride

s.088

Requirement for fluoridation proposal: England

s.088

Initial consultation etc. on fluoridation proposal

s.088

Additional requirements where other local authorities affected

s.088

Decision on fluoridation proposal

s.088

Decision-making procedure: exercise of functions by committee

s.088

Secretary of State's duty in relation to fluoridation proposal

s.088

Payments by local authorities towards fluoridation costs

s.088

Variation or termination of arrangements under section 87(1)

s.088

Initial consultation etc. on variation or termination proposal

s.088

Additional requirements where other local authorities affected

s.088

Decision on variation or termination proposal

s.088

Decision-making procedure: exercise of functions by committee

s.088

Secretary of State's duty in relation to requests for variation or termination

s.088

Power to make regulations as to maintenance of section 87 arrangements

s.090

Old English fluoridation arrangements: transitional provision

Part IIIA — Promotion of the Efficient Use of Water

s.093

Duty to promote the efficient use of water.

  • Promote the efficient use of water to your customers Licence Holder
Browse 3 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
s.093

Power of Authority to impose requirements on water undertakers.

s.093

Publicity of requirements imposed under section 93B.

s.093

Information as to compliance with requirements under section 93B.

Part IV — SEWERAGE SERVICES

s.094

Drainage and sewerage management plans: preparation and review

  • Prepare and maintain a drainage and sewerage management plan Statutory Undertaker
s.094

Drainage and sewerage management plans: directions

  • Sewerage undertakers must comply with government directions on management plans Statutory Undertaker
s.095

Publication of statistical information about complaints

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • The Consumer Council for Water must publish complaint statistics Statutory regulator
s.096

Nutrient pollution standards to apply to certain sewage disposal works

  • Upgrade sewage plants to meet nutrient pollution standards Statutory Undertaker
s.096

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
s.100

Calculation of “ discounted aggregate deficit ” for the purposes of section 99

Amended 2 times
s.101

Further duty to provide sewers.

Amended 1 time
s.101

Power to construct lateral drains following provision of public sewer

Amended 1 time
s.105

Schemes 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
s.105

Adoption schemes: appeals

Amended 7 times
s.105

Adoption schemes: supplementary

Amended 7 times
s.105

Adoption at a future date: orders by Authority

Amended 7 times
s.105

Variation and termination of section 104 agreements

Amended 7 times
s.105

Codes in respect of section 104 agreements

Amended 7 times
s.105

Codes under section 105ZC: procedure

Amended 7 times
s.105

Codes under section 105ZC: minor or urgent revisions

Amended 7 times
s.105

Rules about charges in connection with a section 104 agreement

Amended 7 times
s.105

Rules under section 105ZF: procedure

Amended 7 times
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofwat must consult before issuing sewerage charging rules Statutory regulator
s.105

Rules under section 105ZF: minor or urgent revisions

Amended 7 times
s.105

Rules under section 105ZF: guidance

Amended 7 times
s.106

Sustainable drainage

Amended 196 times
s.106

Requirement to enter into agreement before construction

Amended 196 times
s.109

Unlawful communications.

Fine up to £2,500
  • Make unlawful connection to public sewer Any Person
  • Unlawfully connecting a drain or sewer to a public sewer Any Person
s.110

Codes under section 110C: procedure

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofwat must consult on and seek Ministerial approval for sewerage codes Statutory regulator
s.110

Rules under section 110F: provision about the reduction of charges

  • Sewerage undertakers must notify Ofwat of cost-saving charge reductions Statutory Undertaker
s.110

Rules under section 110F: procedure

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofwat must consult and seek government approval before setting charging rules Statutory regulator
s.110

Interim duty: supplementary

  • You may be liable for losses caused by breaching interim sewerage duties Licence Holder
s.116

Procedures for dealing with complaints.

  • Establish and publish a formal complaints procedure Statutory Undertaker
s.117

Use of undertaker's sewerage system

Amended 2 times
s.117

Matter dealt with by sewerage undertaker

Amended 2 times
  • Deal with sewerage matter requested by a retail licensee Statutory Undertaker
s.117

Removal of matter from sewerage system by a sewerage licensee

Amended 2 times
s.117

Connections for the purposes of a disposal authorisation

Amended 2 times
s.117

Agreements as to duties under sections 117A to 117D

Amended 2 times
s.117

Codes in respect of section 117E agreements

Amended 2 times
s.117

Codes under section 117F: procedure

Amended 2 times
s.117

Codes under section 117F: minor or urgent revisions

Amended 2 times
s.117

Rules about charges

Amended 2 times
s.117

Rules about charges: provision about the reduction of charges

Amended 2 times
s.117

Rules under section 117I: procedure

Amended 2 times
s.117

Rules under section 117I: minor or urgent revisions

Amended 2 times
s.117

Rules under section 117I: guidance

Amended 2 times
s.117

Designation of strategic sewerage provision

Amended 2 times
s.117

Designation of collective strategic sewerage provision

Amended 2 times
s.117

Prohibition on unauthorised use of sewerage system

Unlimited fine Amended 2 times
  • Unauthorised use of sewerage system Any Person
s.117

Prohibition on unauthorised removal of matter from sewerage system

Unlimited fine Amended 2 times
  • Remove matter from sewerage system without permission Any Person
  • Remove sewage matter without authorisation Any Person
s.117

Sections 117P and 117Q: exemptions

Amended 2 times
s.117

Section 117R: supplementary

Amended 2 times
s.125

Variations within time limit.

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Sewerage undertakers must pay compensation for early discharge variations Statutory regulator
s.135

Power of the appropriate agency to acquire information for the purpose of its functions in relation to special category effluent.

Unlimited fine
  • Fail to provide information or give false data on special effluent Any Person
  • Fail to provide or give false information to water regulator about special category effluent Any Person
s.141

Storm overflow discharge reduction plan

Amended 2 times
s.141

Progress reports on storm overflow discharge reduction plan

Amended 2 times
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Secretary of State must publish progress reports on storm overflows Crown / Minister / Government department
s.141

Annual reports on discharges from storm overflows

Unlimited fine Amended 2 times
  • Publish annual reports on storm overflow discharges Statutory Undertaker
s.141

Environment Agency reports

Amended 2 times
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Environment Agency must publish annual reports on storm overflow operations Statutory regulator
s.141

Reporting on discharges from storm overflows

Amended 2 times
s.141

Monitoring quality of water potentially affected by discharges from storm overflows and sewage disposal works

Amended 2 times
s.141

Interpretation of Chapter 4

Amended 2 times
Browse 46 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
s.094

Drainage and sewerage management plans: power to amend period

s.094

Drainage and sewerage management plans: regulations about procedure

s.094

Regulations under section 94C: supplementary

s.095

Information with respect to levels of performance.

s.095

Standards of performance in connection with provision of sewerage services: sewerage licensees

s.096

Information to be given to customers about overall performance.

s.096

Sensitive catchment areas

s.096

Exempt sewage disposal works

s.096

Upgrade date

s.096

Nutrient pollution standards

s.096

Nutrient pollution standards determined through environmental permitting

s.096

Section 96G : procedure and revocations

s.096

Section 96B : enforcement and interaction with other provisions

s.096

Powers to amend sections 96D and 96F

s.096

Sections 96B to 96K, 96M and 96N: interpretation

s.096

New and altered plants: modifications

s.096

Setting and enforcing nutrient pollution standards

s.096

Procedure for regulations under section 95ZA

s.110

Main connections

s.110

Variation and termination of main connection agreements

s.110

Codes in respect of main connection agreements

s.110

Codes under section 110C: minor or urgent revisions

s.110

Rules about charges for permitting main connections

s.110

Rules under section 110F: minor or urgent revisions

s.110

Rules under section 110F: guidance

s.110

Provision by sewerage licensee

s.110

Interim duty: sewerage undertakers and sewerage licensees

s.110

Interim licensees: schemes for terms and conditions

s.110

Interim duty: code

s.114

Drainage systems relieving public sewers

Part V — FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

s.143

Regulations as to provisions to be included in charges schemes.

Amended 7 times
s.143

Special provision under section 143A: financial arrangements

Amended 7 times
s.143

Special provision under section 143A: consultation

Amended 7 times
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Secretary of State must consult before changing water company charges Crown / Minister / Government department
s.143

Rules about charges schemes

Amended 7 times
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofwat must set and maintain rules for water and sewerage charging schemes Statutory regulator
s.143

Rules under section 143B: procedure

Amended 7 times
s.143

Rules under section 143B: minor or urgent revisions

Amended 7 times
s.143

Rules under section 143B: guidance

Amended 7 times
s.144

Right of consumer to elect for charging by reference to volume.

Amended 2 times
s.144

Restriction on undertakers’ power to require fixing of charges by reference to volume.

Amended 2 times
s.144

Non-owner occupiers

Amended 2 times
s.144

Rules about charges for connections etc

Amended 2 times
s.144

Rules under section 144ZA: procedure

Amended 2 times
s.144

Rules under section 144ZA: minor or urgent revisions

Amended 2 times
s.144

Rules under section 144ZA: guidance

Amended 2 times
s.144

General guidance on charges

Amended 2 times
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ministers must issue charging guidance and consult affected businesses Crown / Minister / Government department
s.144

Guidance under section 144ZE: procedure

Amended 2 times
s.150

Billing disputes.

Amended 5 times
  • Notify customers before starting court proceedings for unpaid bills Statutory Undertaker
s.150

Meaning of “consumer” in Chapter I.

Amended 5 times
s.154

Financial assistance to reduce charges

Amended 3 times
s.154

Financial assistance for major works

Amended 3 times

Part VI — UNDERTAKERS ’ POWERS AND WORKS

Browse 8 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement

Part 7A — Further provision about regulation

s.207

Appeals to the CMA

Amended 1 time
s.207

Procedure on appeals

Amended 1 time
s.207

Determination of appeals

Amended 1 time

Part VII — INFORMATION PROVISIONS

s.192

Forward work programmes

Amended 1 time
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofwat and CCW must publish annual forward work programmes Statutory regulator
s.192

Annual and other reports

Amended 1 time
s.195

Reasons for decisions

Amended 25 times
s.196

Trade effluent registers.

  • Sewerage undertakers must maintain public registers of trade effluent consents Statutory Undertaker
s.205

Duty to prepare and publish plans

Amended 14 times
s.205

Implementation reports

Amended 14 times
s.205

Sections 205A and 205B: enforcement and sanctions

Amended 14 times

Part VIII — MISCELLANEOUS AND SUPPLEMENTAL

s.209

Rights of tenants in relation to metering.

Amended 3 times
Browse 5 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement

Schedules

s.sch002

(1) The existing appointee, acting with the consent of the...

Unlimited fine
  • Fail to provide information to Secretary of State or Authority Any Person
s.sch002

(1) A scheme under this Schedule may provide for the...

  • Ensure effective transfer of foreign property, rights or liabilities under a water scheme Any Person
s.sch002a

The following requirements must be satisfied in relation to each...

  • Ensure supplied premises are non-household and meet threshold for restricted retail authorisation Licence Holder
s.sch002b

If a sewerage licensee with a disposal authorisation has, or...

  • Obtain wholesale authorisation; don't use disposal auth to remove matter Licence Holder
s.sch002za

Application for permission to bring appeal

  • Follow the CMA appeal permission process for water licence modifications Any Person
s.sch002za

Defaults in relation to evidence

Unlimited fine
  • Fail to provide evidence or give false information in water appeals Any Person
s.sch002za

Costs

  • Pay appeal costs ordered by the appeal panel within 28 days Any Person
s.sch003

(1) Section 17 of the 1986 Act (duties of administrator),...

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Special administrator must manage company according to proposals Tribunal / Court
s.sch003a

The Consumer Council for Water

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Consumer Council for Water must publish annual activity and progress reports Statutory regulator
s.sch003a

(1) It shall be the duty of the Council to...

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Council must comply with Secretary of State's financial duty notices Statutory regulator
s.sch003a

(1) The Council shall prepare, in respect of each financial...

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Council must prepare and send annual statement of accounts Crown / Minister / Government department
s.sch006

(1) Where any person exercises any right or power to...

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Relevant authority must compensate for loss or damage from designated person's actions Statutory regulator
s.sch006

A person who intentionally obstructs another person acting in the...

Fine up to £1,000
  • Intentionally obstruct an authorised person Any Person
s.sch006

Any person who wilfully obstructs any person upon whom a...

Fine up to £200
  • Obstruct a person with legal right of entry Any Person
s.sch006

(1) Without prejudice to section 206 of this Act and...

Unlimited fine
  • Disclose trade secrets obtained during premises inspection Any Person
s.sch006

(1) Without prejudice to any power exercisable by virtue of...

  • Do not enter premises without notice or emergency Any Person
s.sch006

A person designated as the person who may exercise any...

  • Show your designation before exercising water industry inspection powers Any Person
s.sch008

(1) A person on whom notice is served in pursuance...

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Authority must hear appeals against sewerage undertaker notices and give directions Statutory regulator
s.sch010

(1) No byelaw made by a relevant undertaker under section...

  • Publish and consult on proposed byelaws before seeking confirmation Statutory Undertaker
s.sch010

(1) Every byelaw made by a relevant undertaker and confirmed...

  • Make confirmed water byelaws available for public inspection and copies Statutory Undertaker
s.sch011

(1) Where a water undertaker applies to the Secretary of...

  • Publish and serve notices when applying for a compulsory works order Statutory Undertaker
s.sch011

A water undertaker applying for a compulsory works order shall,...

  • Provide copies of draft compulsory works orders on request Statutory Undertaker
s.sch011

(1) As soon as practicable after a compulsory works order...

  • Publish and serve notice after obtaining a compulsory works order Statutory Undertaker
s.sch012

(1) This paragraph applies, in relation to a relevant undertaker,...

  • Do as little damage as possible and pay compensation when working on streets Statutory Undertaker
s.sch012

(1) Any question of disputed compensation under paragraph 2 above...

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Upper Tribunal must determine disputed compensation claims Tribunal / Court
s.sch012

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, a...

  • Pay compensation for damage caused by sewerage works Statutory Undertaker
s.sch012

(1) Without prejudice to section 148 of this Act or...

  • Compensate for damage caused by water company works Statutory Undertaker
s.sch012

(1) It shall be the duty of every water undertaker—...

  • Minimise loss and damage when exercising powers and pay compensation Statutory Undertaker
s.sch013

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph and...

Fine up to £1,000
  • Break up controlled street without consent Any Person
s.sch014

(1) Where mines or minerals underlying any part of a...

  • Pay mine and mineral owners for losses caused by water infrastructure Statutory Undertaker
Browse 186 other Schedules — structural / supplementary
s.sch001

(1) There shall be paid to the Director such remuneration,...

s.sch001

(1) The Director may, with the approval of the Treasury...

s.sch001

There shall be paid out of money provided by Parliament—...

s.sch001

The Director shall have an official seal for the authentication...

s.sch001

The Documentary Evidence Act 1868 shall have effect as if...

s.sch001a

The Water Services Regulation Authority

s.sch001a

(1) The Authority shall consist of a chairman, and at...

s.sch001a

(1) Anything authorised or required to be done by the...

s.sch001a

The Secretary of State shall make payments out of money...

s.sch001a

(1) The Authority has power to do anything which is...

s.sch001a

(1) Subject to this Schedule, the chairman and other members...

s.sch001a

(1) An appointment of a person to hold office as...

s.sch001a

(1) The Authority shall pay to its chairman and its...

s.sch001a

The Authority may, with the approval of the Minister for...

s.sch001a

(1) The Authority may establish committees and any committee of...

s.sch001a

(1) The Authority may regulate its own procedure.

s.sch001a

A document purporting to be duly executed under the seal...

s.sch001a

(1) The Authority shall prepare, and may revise, a code...

s.sch002

(1) This Schedule shall apply in each of the cases...

s.sch002

(1) In a case specified in paragraph 1(3) (special administration...

s.sch002

(1) A scheme under this Schedule for the transfer of...

s.sch002

(1) Where a scheme under this Schedule is made in...

s.sch002

Where a scheme under this Schedule is made in the...

s.sch002

(1) A scheme under this Schedule may contain supplemental, consequential...

s.sch002

(1) The Secretary of State may, if he thinks it...

s.sch002a

In the descriptions of the following authorisations, a reference to...

s.sch002a

(1) The Authority may from time to time, with the...

s.sch002a

For the purposes of this Schedule, a person (A) is...

s.sch002a

In paragraph 11 “ subsidiary ” has the meaning given...

s.sch002a

In the descriptions of the following authorisations, a reference to...

s.sch002a

A retail authorisation given by a water supply licence is...

s.sch002a

None of the premises supplied by a water supply licensee...

s.sch002a

A wholesale authorisation given by a water supply licence is...

s.sch002a

A restricted retail authorisation given by a water supply licence...

s.sch002a

A supplementary authorisation given by a water supply licence is...

s.sch002a

The requirements in paragraphs 4 and 7 are enforceable by...

s.sch002b

SEWERAGE LICENCES: AUTHORISATIONS

s.sch002b

A retail authorisation given by a sewerage licence is an...

s.sch002b

None of the premises served by a sewerage licensee under...

s.sch002b

The requirement in paragraph 2 is enforceable by the Authority...

s.sch002b

The Authority may from time to time, with the approval...

s.sch002b

A wholesale authorisation given by a sewerage licence is an...

s.sch002b

A disposal authorisation given by a sewerage licence is an...

s.sch002b

For the purposes of this Schedule, a person (A) is...

s.sch002b

In paragraph 8 “ subsidiary ” has the meaning given...

s.sch002za

Procedure for appeals under section 12D

s.sch002za

Appeal rules

s.sch002za

Interpretation of Schedule

s.sch002za

Suspension of decision

s.sch002za

Time limit for representations and observations by the Authority

s.sch002za

Consideration and determination of appeal by group

s.sch002za

Matters to be considered on appeal

s.sch002za

Production of documents etc

s.sch002za

Oral hearings

s.sch002za

Written statements

s.sch002za

Expert advice

s.sch003

Where a special administration order has been made, sections 11...

s.sch003

(1) Section 27 of the 1986 Act (protection of interests...

s.sch003

(1) Subject to the preceding provisions of this Schedule, references...

s.sch003

(1) In this Schedule “the 1986 Act” means the Insolvency...

s.sch003

In section 11 of the 1986 Act (effect of order),...

s.sch003

In section 13 of the 1986 Act (appointment of administrator),...

s.sch003

In section 14 of the 1986 Act (general powers of...

s.sch003

(1) Section 15 of the 1986 Act (power to deal...

s.sch003

(1) Section 18 of the 1986 Act (discharge and variation...

s.sch003

In section 21(2) of the 1986 Act (notice of order...

s.sch003

In section 23 of the 1986 Act (statement of proposals),...

s.sch003a

(1) The Council shall consist of— (a) a chairman appointed...

s.sch003a

The Secretary of State and the Assembly shall pay to...

s.sch003a

(1) The Council shall not establish or abolish a regional...

s.sch003a

(1) A regional committee of the Council shall consist of—...

s.sch003a

(1) If the appropriate authority so determines in the case...

s.sch003a

In paragraphs 11 to 13 above the “ appropriate authority...

s.sch003a

(1) The Council may establish committees other than regional committees...

s.sch003a

(1) If the Secretary of State so determines in the...

s.sch003a

Anything authorised or required to be done by the Council...

s.sch003a

The validity of anything done by the Council is not...

s.sch003a

(1) The Council shall have power to do anything which...

s.sch003a

(1) A person holding office as chairman or other member...

s.sch003a

(1) If the period beginning with the day on which...

s.sch003a

The Authority may pay to any person who immediately before...

s.sch003a

The Council shall pay to the chairman and other members...

s.sch003a

(1) If the Secretary of State so determines in the...

s.sch003a

In relation to any member of the Council appointed by...

s.sch003a

(1) The Council shall, with the approval of the Secretary...

s.sch003a

(1) As soon as practicable after the end of each...

s.sch004

A customer service committee may, with the approval of the...

s.sch004

(1) There shall be paid to the chairman of a...

s.sch004

Subject to paragraph 2 above, neither the members of a...

s.sch004

(1) The Director may, with the approval of the Treasury...

s.sch004

(1) The following shall be paid by the Director out...

s.sch004a

Premises that are not to be disconnected for non-payment of charges

s.sch004a

(1) Any dwelling which is occupied by a person as...

s.sch004a

A school within the meaning of the Education Act 1996....

s.sch004a

A 16 to 19 Academy.

s.sch004a

(1) Premises used by an institution within the further education...

s.sch004a

(1) Premises in England which are used for the provision...

s.sch004a

(1) A prison or removal centre .

s.sch004a

Premises occupied for the purposes of a police force.

s.sch004a

Premises occupied for the purposes of a fire and rescue...

s.sch004a

Premises occupied for the purposes of the provision of an...

s.sch004a

(1) Any house in multiple occupation which does not constitute...

s.sch004a

(1) Accommodation for the elderly in which a person has...

s.sch004a

A hospital as defined by section 275 of the National...

s.sch004a

Premises used for the provision of medical services by a...

s.sch004a

Premises used for the provision of dental services by a...

s.sch004a

Premises not falling within paragraph 5 or 6 above which...

s.sch004a

(1) A care home or independent hospital.

s.sch004a

A children’s home in England within the meaning of the...

s.sch004a

Premises in Wales at which a secure accommodation service, within...

s.sch004za

Application of provisions of Enterprise Act 2002 to mergers of water enterprises

s.sch004za

Part 3 of the 2002 Act (and any other provisions...

s.sch004za

The modifications made by virtue of paragraph 1 above shall...

s.sch004za

Where a reference is made to the chair of the...

s.sch004za

(1) The first questions to be decided by the CMA...

s.sch004za

(1) In deciding, on a merger reference under section 32(a)...

s.sch004za

(1) No enforcement action shall be taken on a merger...

s.sch004za

If, on a merger reference under section 32(b) of this...

s.sch004za

(1) For the purposes of this Schedule a benefit is...

s.sch004za

In this Schedule— “ customers ”, “ goods ”, “...

s.sch005

(1) Where the Authority or a water undertaker applies to...

s.sch005

The applicant for an order under section 65(5) of this...

s.sch005

(1) On an application for an order under section 65(5)...

s.sch005

Where an application for an order to which this Schedule...

s.sch006

(1) Where this Part of this Schedule applies to any...

s.sch006

A person who enters any premises in the exercise of...

s.sch006

(1) In this Part of this Schedule “relevant authority”, in...

s.sch006

(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (3) below, if it is shown...

s.sch006

Any person entitled to enter any premises by virtue of...

s.sch006

(1) If it is shown to the satisfaction of a...

s.sch006

A person authorised to enter any premises by virtue of...

s.sch007

(1) Where in pursuance of any such arrangements entered into...

s.sch007

(1) Where a water undertaker is operating a fluoridation scheme...

s.sch007

(1) Section 89 of this Act (including the power of...

s.sch008

Nothing in Chapter III of Part IV of this Act...

s.sch008

(1) Where, by virtue of section 43(2) of the Control...

s.sch008

(1) Any dispute in so far as it—

s.sch008

The Secretary of State may by regulations make provisions in...

s.sch009

Subject to the following provisions of this Schedule, the enactments...

s.sch009

The Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 (in the following provisions of...

s.sch009

For section 7 of the 1965 Act (measure of compensation)...

s.sch009

Section 8(1) of the Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 has effect...

s.sch009

The following provisions of the 1965 Act (being provisions stating...

s.sch009

Section 11 of the 1965 Act (powers of entry) shall...

s.sch009

Section 20 of the 1965 Act (protection for interests of...

s.sch009

Section 22 of the 1965 Act (protection of acquiring authority’s...

s.sch010

(1) The Secretary of State, with or without a local...

s.sch010

(1) The Secretary of State may fix the date on...

s.sch010

Without prejudice to subsection (5) of section 157 of this...

s.sch010

The production of a printed copy of a byelaw purporting...

s.sch011

In this Schedule— “bridleway” and “footpath” have the same meanings...

s.sch011

(1) On an application for a compulsory works order, the...

s.sch011

(1) If, where an application for a compulsory works order...

s.sch011

(1) Without prejudice to the provisions of Schedule 14 to...

s.sch011

Where— (a) in connection with any engineering or building operations...

s.sch011

(1) If the value of any interest in any relevant...

s.sch011

The provisions of section 186 of this Act and of...

s.sch012

(1) If the value of any interest in any relevant...

s.sch013

(1) Nothing in this Act conferring power on a relevant...

s.sch013

Nothing in any provision of this Act conferring power on...

s.sch013

Part 10 of Schedule 3A to the Communications Act 2003...

s.sch013

(1) Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, nothing in...

s.sch013

(1) Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, nothing in...

s.sch013

The provisions of this Part of this Schedule are without...

s.sch014

(1) This paragraph applies in each of the following cases,...

s.sch014

(1) If the owner of any mines or minerals underlying...

s.sch014

(1) If the working of any mines or minerals is...

s.sch014

(1) Any person designated in writing for the purpose by...

s.sch014

Nothing in any provision of this Act or of any...

s.sch014

(1) In this Schedule— “conveyance” has the same meaning as...

s.sch016

The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about...

s.sch016

Regulations under this Schedule may in particular make provision about—...

s.sch016

(1) Regulations under this Schedule may make provision about—

s.sch016

(1) Regulations under this Schedule may make provision about—

s.sch016

(1) Regulations under this Schedule may provide for penalties to...

s.sch016

(1) The CMA may make rules regulating the conduct and...

s.sch016

In this Schedule— “ appeal ” means an appeal under...

Read the full Act on legislation.gov.uk (opens in a new tab)

Official guidance

Authoritative sources published by regulators or government explaining this legislation.

Enforcement and responsible bodies

The regulators that administer or enforce this legislation.

Environment Agency

Primary

Environmental protection in England. Regulates waste, emissions, water quality, flood risk, and environmental permits for industrial activities. Enforces environmental law and issues …

CMA

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) …

Ofwat

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. …

DWI

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 …

OEP

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

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 …

NRW

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)

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Regulators

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