Drinking Water Inspectorate

File:Drinking Water Inspectorate logo.svg

The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) is a section of Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) set up to regulate the privatised water supply companies in England and Wales.

Based in Whitehall, it produces an annual report showing the quality of and problems associated with drinking water. Its remit is to assess the quality of drinking water in England and Wales, taking enforcement action if standards are not being met, and appropriate action when water is unfit for human consumption.[http://www.dwi.gov.uk/ Drinking Water Inspectorate web site]. Accessed 5 October 2007

It was responsible for reporting on drinking water quality to the European Union under the European Drinking Water Directive (DWD), Council Directive 98/83/EC, which concerns the quality of water intended for human consumption.[http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-drink/index_en.html The European Commission's Environment DG web site]. Accessed 5 October 2007 It provides advice to DEFRA on the transposition of European water legislation in England and Wales.{{Clarification needed|date=March 2023|reason=this needs clarifying/updating}}

The Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland is the equivalent body for Scotland.