Enforcement Policies
Our three Enforcement Policies are in accordance with the Regulators’ Compliance Code and the regulatory principles required under the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006. In developing the Enforcement Policies, we have also had regard to the Enforcement Policy of Defra, the Investigator’s Convention (2009) sponsored by the Government National Investigator’s Group and the revised Prosecutors’ Convention (2009).
They set out the general principles and approach which Drinking Water Inspectors are expected to follow. All DWI staff who take enforcement decisions are required to follow the relevant Enforcement Policy.
The list of prosecutions, cautions, and warning letters are available on our Events and Prosecution page.
Consultation – New NIS Enforcement Policy
The Inspectorate is consulting on it’s replacement NIS Enforcement Policy. The consultation launched on 11 February 2025 and will be open until 14 March 2025. We are grateful for feedback and views, which should be sent to Simon.Benton@defra.gov.uk.
