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UK water quality is generally high, since large new investments were made following the EU Drinking Water Quality Directive 1998, requiring water is "wholesome and clean". [36] Ofwat is required to issue enforcement orders under the Water Industry Act 1991 section 18 to uphold drinking quality standards, rather than being content with ...
The UK has a combined sewage system, meaning rainwater and wastewater are discharged through the same pipes. During heavy rainfall, this system's capacity can be exceeded, leading to water companies discharging sewage into rivers and lakes. [1] [2] Some water companies also have been suspected of illegally discharging on dry days. [3]
Water supply and sanitation in the United Kingdom is provided by a number of water and sewerage companies. Twelve companies and organisations provide drainage and sewerage services, each over a wide area, to the whole United Kingdom; and supply water to most customers in their areas of operation.
According to the industry association Water UK, between 1980 and 2010 the water and wastewater industry in England and Wales will have invested over £88bn. [11] Investments are financed primarily through self-financing and borrowing in the capital market. In March 2006 overall borrowing stood at £23.5bn for England and Wales.
Water supply and sanitation in London is provided by private companies. [1] The regional water strategy for London is produced by the Greater London Authority . [ 2 ] Much of the water supply and sewerage system was constructed during the Victorian era (1837-1901), in light of repeated cholera outbreaks.
The Water Services Regulation Authority, or Ofwat, is the body responsible for economic regulation of the privatised water and sewerage industry in England and Wales.Ofwat's main statutory duties include protecting the interests of consumers, securing the long-term resilience of water supply and wastewater systems, and ensuring that companies carry out their functions and are able to finance them.
Water UK is the trade association representing all of the water and wastewater companies of the United Kingdom. It has 25 full members plus four associate members. [ 1 ] It was established in 1998. [ 2 ]
The Water Act 1973 (c. 37) is an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that reorganised the water, sewage and river management industry in England and Wales. [1] Water supply and sewage disposal were removed from local authority control, and ten larger regional water authorities were set up, under state control based on the areas of super-sets of river authorities which were also ...