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Picture of a paper copy of the Water Regulations

Regulatory Framework

It is the DWQR’s duty, under the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002, to enforce Regulations and other statutory instruments developed by the Scottish Government and Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs).

The specific requirements for drinking water quality in Scotland originate largely from European Directives, and have been translated into Scottish Law via the The Public Water Supplies (Scotland) Regulations 2014 (as amended) and the Water Intended for Human Consumption (Private Supplies) (Scotland) Regulations 2017.

The Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC) has been updated by the recast Drinking Water Directive (2020/2184). Although no longer in the EU, Scotland has chosen to transpose this into Scottish law via the Public Water Supplies (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2022.

Current Drinking Water Regulations

The Public Water Supplies (Scotland) Regulations 2014

The Public Water Supplies (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2022

The Water Intended for Human Consumption (Private Supplies) (Scotland) Regulations 2017