Ofwat: the water regulator
Who are Ofwat?
Ofwat (the Office of Water Services) are the economic regulator of the water industry in England and Wales, ensuring that water and sewerage companies give you a good quality, efficient service at a fair price.
How does Ofwat ensure a good quality, efficient service?
Ofwat regulates the water industry in a number of ways, including:
- setting limits on what companies can charge you
- ensuring companies are able to carry out their responsibilities under the Water Industry Act 1991
- protecting the standard of service you receive
- encouraging companies to be more efficient
In addition to this, Ofwat also works with the Government, the Welsh Assembly and the following water quality and environmental standards regulators:
- Environment Agency
- Drinking Water Inspectorate
- English Nature
- Countryside Council for Wales
How to complain about your water or sewerage company
If you have a complaint about your water or sewerage company you must speak or write to them in the first instance. Each company has a complaints procedure and you can request a copy from them.
If you find your supplier does not deal with your complaint adequately, you can ask your local Consumer Council for Water to investigate for you.
Ofwat and water price rises
Water price rises are regulated by Ofwat, which reviews charges every five years. During these reviews water companies submit their plans for the next five years and justify their proposed price increases. Ofwat then reviews these suggested prices and decides upon a water price rise that is acceptable to both customers and the water companies.
Can you reduce your water bills?
If you are paying a high water rate, are unmetered and use below average water you could save money by switching to a water meter. Use the uSwitch.com water switching service to calculate if switching to a meter will be cheaper or, if you already use a meter, how you can reduce your water consumption and save money.
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