The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI)

The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), was set up in 1990 after the water industry was privatised, to act as an independent body monitoring and checking the safety of drinking water.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate’s main task is to check that the water companies in England and Wales supply water that is safe to drink and meets the standards set in the Water Quality Regulations. DWI Inspectors carry out technical audits of each water company.
Water quality is assessed on the basis of information provided by the water companies. Millions of tests are made each year to see if water meets the standard set down in law.
Tests are carried out at water treatment works, in the distribution systems and at consumers' taps in designated geographical areas called water supply zones.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate check the test results and carry out inspections to ensure that the results are reliable and give a true picture of the quality of the water supplied.
The DWI also investigates consumers' complaints and incidents that affect or could affect drinking water quality.

Contact:

Drinking Water Inspectorate
55 Whitehall,
London,
SW1A 2EY

Telephone:

020 7082 8024