Drinking Water

What Is The Drinking Water Inspectorate ?

The Drinking Water Inspectorate (the 'Inspectorate') is a unit within the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, responsible for regulating the drinking water quality in Northern Ireland under the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 and the Private Water Supplies Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994.

What Is The Role Of The Drinking Water Inspectorate ?

The Drinking Water Inspectorate:

• Regulates drinking water quality in Northern Ireland for public and private supplies;
• Assesses drinking water quality against regulatory standards;
• Carries out detailed inspections of water sampling and analytical processes, and assesses water treatment and distribution policies and practices;
• Publishes an annual report containing an overview of drinking water quality in Northern Ireland. The Drinking Water Quality Report for 2006 (.pdf 2.67 MB) and previous drinking water quality reports are now available to download;
• Develops policy and regulation on drinking water issues, in association with other UK Drinking Water Regulators. The UK Drinking Water Regulators work to an agreed Framework which is contained within a Memorandum of Understanding (pdf 113 KB); and
• Deals with complaints from consumers and incidents which affect or could affect drinking water quality.