The Consumer Council
The Consumer Council is an independent body that promotes and protects the interests of all consumers in Northern Ireland. If you have a complaint about water or sewerage services and are not happy with Northern Ireland Water’s response, The Consumer Council will be able to take the complaint up on your behalf.
The Utility Regulator - electricity, gas, water
From April 2007, water and sewerage will be regulated by the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation 'Utility Regulator - electricity, gas, water' (previously Ofreg). This is the same body that has regulated energy in Northern Ireland for many years. The Authority became responsible for standards of service from 2007, and commenced regulating charges from 2010. The regulator’s job is to protect customers’ interests by making sure that charges are fair, and that high standards of service are delivered.
Northern Ireland Environment Agency
The Water Management Unit (WMU) is a Unit within the Northern Ireland Environment Agency which has responsibility for the protection of the aquatic environment. It achieves this through a number of activities including:
- Monitoring water quality;
- Preparing water quality management plans;
- Controlling effluent discharges;
- Taking action to combat or minimise the effects of pollution; and
- Supporting environmental research
The Drinking Water Inspectorate
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) is a unit within the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) responsible for regulating drinking water quality in Northern Ireland for both public and private supplies. It's primary enforcement powers are contained within the Water and Sewerage Order 2006. The Inspectorate will continue to follow processses established over a number of years, with the addtion of enforcement powers.
The Department for Infrastructure
The Department for Infrastructure is the sponsor and sole shareholder of NI Water. It monitors financial and performance reporting against nominated outputs as determined by the Utility Regulator, and has a challenge and advocacy role. The Department is responsible for paying the customer subsidy to NI Water, making loans for investment, agreeing the Company’s annual budget and operating plan, and making appointments to the Board of NI Water. The Department is also responsible for regulating NI Water obligation to enforce the requirements of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009.