Every day tap water is tested by the water companies. Inspectors independently check these tests and audit water company laboratories. If any one of the millions of tests each year fails the standards then the Inspectors use their powers to require the water company to make the necessary improvements to drinking water quality. Inspectors go out on site to check that improvement work is completed on time.
They also inspect that the aspects of water operations which ensure drinking water is safe at all times. Very occasionally things go wrong. When this happens it is the job of the Inspectorate to investigate the operational incident and provide an independent report of the cause with recommendations on how to prevent similar events from happening again.
Sometimes our investigations of incidents lead to a water company being prosecuted. In addition, when a water company fails to resolve a drinking water quality complaint then the consumer can come to the Inspectorate for help.
Inspectors work in teams under the direction of Principal Inspectors. However, there is a high degree of autonomy of decision making and Inspectors are involved in a wide range of tasks covering all functions from source to tap.
Inspectors must decide whether or not there has been, or is likely to be, a breach of the Regulations and if so, whether enforcement action is necessary to safeguard drinking water quality. Inspectors may be involved with interviewing staff, contractors or consumers; conducting site audits to assess treatment and monitoring processes or storage facilities; and in certain circumstances may be required to attend court and give interviews to the media.
Responsibilities include:
Inspectors manage the day-to-day relationship between the Inspectorate and one or more of the regulated water companies.
Inspectors can also work in specialised team accessing information provided by water companies and other stakeholders in relation to compliance with the Regulations.
Inspectors are required to give authoritative advice to resolve disputes such as consumer water quality complaints or disagreements between the parties involved with the regulation or operation of water supplies.
Inspectors have a key role in maintaining wholesome supplies and protecting public health.
Inspectors may have a role in providing advice in relation to private water supplies.
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