About us

This section of the website sets out how we will work with others for the benefit of customers of water and wastewater services and wider society in England and Wales both now and in the future.

Our Customer Research

We conduct research with household customers to better understand their needs, priorities and experiences

Our purpose – improving life through water

How we’re driving water companies to improve performance and deliver maximum value for customers and the environment

Our vision

A secure and sustainable water sector that acts in the best interests of customers, communities and the environment

Who we are

We are a non-ministerial government department. We were established in 1989 when the water and sewerage industry in England and Wales was privatised

Who we work with

We work closely with many other organisations to enable water companies to deliver the vision for the sector.

Our strategy

Time to act, together: setting out our ambition for the water sector

Our duties

The duties for most of our work as an economic regulator are laid down in section 2 of the Water Industry Act 1991 (WIA91) as...

Our plans

We set out our plans to meet our strategy in our five-year strategic business plan and our annual forward programme.

Ofwat and the environment

Safeguarding the environment is at the heart of everything we do. We use our regulatory tools and enable investment to protect and enhance the environment.

Our performance

We report on our performance each year in our annual report.

Our values

We are committed to the highest standards of openness and accountability.

Service charter

Our commitment to listen, understand and respond to customers and stakeholders.