What's new
- IB 03/12 Ofwat proposes to vary the appointment of water and sewerage services suppliers at Tideway Wharf
- Modification of the conditions of appointment of South East Water Limited
- IN1105 Interest rates relating to charges for new connections and relocation of mains and sewers (Amended since first published)
Ofwat
Site last updated on 8 March 2012
The economic regulator of the water and sewerage industry in England and Wales
Ofwat (The Water Services Regulation Authority) is the economic regulator of the water and sewerage sectors in England and Wales. We are here to make sure that the companies provide household and business consumers with a good quality service and value for money. Find out more about us, and about the water and sewerage sectors.
Hot topics
Drought
Following two dry winters, parts of south-east England and the Midlands are in drought. Find out whether you might be affected.
Water companies must provide secure supplies of water and balance supply and demand. A company may occasionally need to restrict non-essential water supplies, such as in exceptionally dry weather. Ofwat makes sure that companies invest at a price customers are willing to pay, so that companies do not need to impose restrictions more often than customers find acceptable. We set targets for companies to reduce leakage and to help customers reduce water use, balancing costs to customers and the benefits to the environment.
Drought may become more frequent owing to climate change and more homes using more water. We can all help reduce the risk by not wasting water - see our water saving tips below. Our focus report ‘Valuing every drop?’ suggests how to use water more efficiently.
Your water supply and drought | Water saving tips | Long-term planning | Ofwat's role in water resources
Threshold drop for choosing your supplier
The threshold for switching suppliers has dropped. Non-household customers in England who use more than 5Ml (5,000m3) of water may be eligible to switch suppliers to one of the water supply licensees.
Water supply licensees have a licence from us to supply large users with water. We make sure that licensees have the financial, technical and managerial resources they need to hold a licence, but your agreement with them is negotiated under commercial terms. Find out more about choosing a water supply licensee.
