Water industry governance
Scottish Ministers are responsible for:
- setting the objectives for the water industry, as set out in the ministerial directions
- determining the principles that should underpin charges, as set out in the principles of charging statement
- appointing the chairs and members of the boards of Scottish Water and the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS)
- endorsing Scottish Water and WICS' terms and conditions, including remuneration of board members, senior executives and staff
Other roles, including the regulation of drinking water quality, are the responsibility of the organisations outlined below.
Private water supplies are the responsibility of owners and users and are regulated by local authorities. Issues with private water supplies should be discussed with the environmental health department of the relevant local authority.
Scottish Water
Scottish Water is a public corporation that reports to Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament. Its performance is subject to scrutiny by the Parliament and the Auditor General.
The Scottish Water Governance Directions 2023 set out the principles by which Scottish Water should follow.
Water Industry Commission for Scotland
The Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS) determines price limits for Scottish Water based on the lowest overall reasonable cost of achieving Ministers' Objectives for the water industry.
Drinking Water Quality Regulator
The Drinking Water Quality Regulator (DWQR) checks that Scotland's public drinking water is safe and meets quality standards and advises ministers on drinking water investment.
Scottish Environment Protection Agency
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) ensures Scottish Water meets environmental standards and advise ministers on environmental investment.
Consumer Scotland
Consumer Scotland is a statutory organisation that campaigns for fair treatment of Scottish consumers and helps develop policy.
Scottish Public Services Ombudsman
The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) handles complaints for local authorities, most water providers, and the Scottish Government as a final stage. Guidance on how to complain can be found on mygov.scot.
Water Industry Investment Group
The Water Industry Investment Group (WIIG), which we chair and operate, makes sure the water industry plans enough investment to meet ministers' objectives and delivers on them.