Our regulators
Our regulators rightly hold us accountable for our performance and we work closely with them to meet our goals.
How we're regulated
Our relationships with our regulators – economic, drinking water quality and environmental – are vital to ensure the resilience of our business. We work closely with them to share our progress and our plans, as well as influencing market reform.
You can find more information about each of our regulators below.
Regulatory information
Some of the information we publish is regulatory, and can be found below.
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Codes of practice
Southern Water Code of Practice Household 2023
Codes of practice
Code of Practice for the Exercise of Pipelaying Powers on Land by Southern Water 2019
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Our regulators
Defra
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) determines the overall water and sewerage policy framework in England, setting standards, drafting legislation and creating special permits, such as drought orders.
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Ofwat
Ofwat is the economic regulator of the water and sewerage sectors. It protects the interests of consumers by promoting appropriate competition, making sure water companies properly carry out their functions and ensuring they have adequate finance in place.
Environment Agency
The Environment Agency is the environmental regulator of the water and wastewater sector in England. It's the principal adviser to the government on the environment, and the leading public body improving and protecting the environment of England. It works with a range of organisations to reduce flood risk, promote sustainable development, and secure environmental and social benefits.
Drinking Water Inspectorate
The Drinking Water Inspectorate is the drinking water quality regulator and enforces the Water Quality Regulations set by the government. To do this, it checks the tests carried out on drinking water by water companies, along with carrying out company inspections.
Other
Consumer Council for Water (CCW)
CCW represents water and wastewater consumers. It also investigates consumer complaints that haven't been satisfactorily resolved by water companies.
Here to fight your corner – the voice for water consumers - CCW
Natural England
Natural England advises the government by providing practical guidance, grounded in science, on how to best safeguard England’s natural wealth. Its purpose is to protect and improve England’s natural environment and encourage people to enjoy and get involved with their surroundings.