Security and Emergencies
Security and Emergency Measures Direction 2022 as amended (SEMD)
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) is the independent regulator of drinking water in England and Wales. We provide independent assurance that the privatised water industry delivers and maintains a safe, clean drinking water to consumers.
The Security and Emergency Measures (Water and Sewerage Undertakers and Water Supply Licensees) Direction 2022 (SEMD)(PDF 222KB) is the principal general direction issued by the Secretary of State and Welsh Ministers under Section 208 of the Water Industry Act 1991 (the Act).
This was subsequently amended in 2024 with the The Security and Emergency Measures (water and
sewerage undertakers and water supply licensees)(Amendment and Revocation) Direction 2024.
Undertakers and licensees are required to maintain a water supply and/or sewerage system in the interests of national security or to mitigate the effects of any civil emergency which may occur.
The DWI, on behalf of the Secretary of State and Welsh Ministers, are responsible for the regulation of the SEMD for companies who are wholly or mainly in England and Wales. This includes reviewing companies’ annual self-assessments and all National Infrastructure (NI) audits including Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), and any necessary compliance and enforcement actions.
