What is the Drinking Water Inspectorate?

The Drinking Water Inspectorate is a unit within the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). The Inspectorate is responsible for regulating drinking water quality in Northern Ireland under the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007/147 (as amended by SR 246 on 15 July 2009 and SR 128 on 20 April 2010); The Water Supply (Domestic Distribution Systems) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010/157; and the Private Water Supplies Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009/413 (as amended by SR 131 on 20 April 2010).

• regulates drinking water quality in Northern Ireland for public and private supplies under a Memorandum of Understanding (.PDF 270Kb) between the Department of Regional Development and the Department of the Environment;
• assesses drinking water quality against regulatory standards;
• carries out detailed inspections of water sampling and assesses water treatment, distribution policies and practice;
• publishes an annual report containing an overview of drinking water quality in Northern Ireland;
• develops policy and regulation on drinking water issues in association with other Drinking Water Regulators, working to an agreed Framework contained within a UK Memorandum of Understanding (.PDF 152Kb); and a UK and Ireland Memorandum of Understanding (.PDF 213Kb);
• deals with events which affect or could affect drinking water quality;
• liaises with the Utility Regulator to promote co-operation and the exchange of information under a Memorandum of Understanding (.PDF 1.49 Mb); and
• works alongside other key stakeholders under a partnership agreement.

The Drinking Water Quality Report for 2010 (.PDF 1.7Mb) and previous drinking water quality reports are available to download.

To contact the Drinking Water Inspectorate phone: 028 9056 9282 or email: dwi@doeni.gov.uk.