What is "ofwat"

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 is primarily responsible for setting limits on the prices charged for water and sewerage services, taking into account proposed capital investment schemes (such as building new wastewater treatment works) and expected operational efficiency gains. The most recent review was carried out in 2014; reviews are carried out every five years, and thus the next will take place in 2019.

Ofwat consists of a board, plus an office of staff which carries out work delegated to them by the board.

The Environment Agency is responsible for environmental regulation, and the Drinking Water Inspectorate for regulating drinking water quality.

The water industry regulator in Scotland is the Water Industry Commission for Scotland.