Water issues
We deal with all aspects of water policy in England, including water supply and resources, and the regulatory systems for the water environment and the water industry. These include drinking water quality; the quality of water in rivers, lakes and estuaries, coastal and marine waters; sewage treatment; and reservoir safety.
We work closely with the Environment Agency (which manages water resources and enforces water quality standards), the Drinking Water Inspectorate (which regulates the quality of drinking water), and the Office of Water Services, which is responsible for economic regulation of the water industry.
Water strategy - "Future Water"
We are developing a new national water strategy to be published early in 2008. It will set out Government priorities for water availability and quality. More information...
Latest news
Contacting Defra
The Environment Agency is responsible for local control and maintenance of water quality, water resources and flood defence in England and Wales. For specific enquiries regarding monitoring information or regional or local conditions, please contact the Environment Agency.
If you want further information that is not covered by these pages, contact::
External sites
Page last modified:22 January 2008