Explanatory note

These Regulations, which extend to England and Wales, amend section 19(3) of the Water Industry Act 1991. Where the Secretary of State, the Welsh Ministers or the Water Services Regulation Authority accept an undertaking as an alternative to making an enforcement order, they must publish a summary of the undertaking. This is in order to implement fully Article 8(7) of Council Directive 98/83/EC (on the quality of water intended for human consumption, OJ No L 330, 5.12.1998, p 32), which requires consumers to be notified where remedial action is taken.

They also amend the Drinking Water (Undertakings) (England and Wales) Regulations 2000 (S.I. 2000/1297) to refer to Council Directive 98/83/EC which repealed and replaced Council Directive 80/778/EEC (relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption, OJ No L 229, 30.08.1980, p 11).

A full impact assessment has not been prepared for these Regulations as no impact on the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen.