Policies and Standards

The catalogue identifies relevant open data sources, including Earth Observation (EO) satellite data, as well as environmental and socio-economic. These sources include local and remote sensors (such as satellite imagery, weather stations, and water quality monitoring devices), research outputs (such as census reports, land use maps, and economic indicators). Each resource is evaluated for quality, update frequency, accessibility, and any applicable legal constraints.

Name â–² Issuing organisation Geographical Scope Type Water management focus Description Status Effect Date Resource
Drinking-water quality guidelines International World Wide Recommendations The World Health Organization (WHO) sets global "Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality" (GDWQ) to help countries create national standards, focusing on health risks from chemicals (like arsenic, lead, fluoride) and microbes, alongside aesthetic factors (taste, color). These guidelines provide evidence-based benchmarks (e.g., 0.01 mg/L for arsenic, 1.5 mg/L for fluoride) for safe drinking water, though actual legal limits vary by country, often incorporating WHO recommendations but also national priorities. Effective Updated 2024 https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/water-sanitation-and-health/water-safety-and-quality/drinking-water-quality-guidelines
Drinking Water Standards and Regulations Drinking Water Inspectorate England and Wales Standards Microbiological and chemical parameters, national requirements Drinking water standards and regulations set legal limits for substances, microbes, and properties (like taste/smell) to ensure water is safe, wholesome, and acceptable for public health, overseen by bodies like the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) in the UK, based on scientific guidelines (WHO) and directives (EU), covering parameters from E. coli to heavy metals, with strict monitoring and risk assessments to protect consumers from contaminants. Different water companies within the UK have published different Drinking water standards: Please see tabs to the right for more info. Effective 2016 https://www.dwi.gov.uk/drinking-water-standards-and-regulations/
dwi: Drinking Water Standars and Regulations UK Parliament UK (England, Wales, Scotland and N Ireland) Legistation management and monitoring of drinking waters water quality Linked to the The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 (legislation.gov.uk). See above https://www.dwi.gov.uk/drinking-water-standards-and-regulations/
House of Commons: Research Briefing Water Quality UK Parliament UK (England, Wales, Scotland and N Ireland) Breifing Paper (recommendations) management and monitoring of waters bodies water quality This Commons Library Briefing Paper examines water quality in the UK, including EU requirements and potential impacts of Brexit. It sets out some key facts and figures for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, explains how water quality is measured and discusses action being taken by the Government to manage and improve water quality. Not legally binding 2018 https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-7246/
The Bathing Water Directive European Parliament & Council EU Legistitive management and monitoring of bathing waters water quality The BWD aims to protect public health and the environment by keeping coastal and inland bathing waters free from pollution. Effective 2006 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/bathing-water_en
The Competition and Service (Utilities) Act 1992 UK Parliament England and Wales Legistlation management and monitoring of drinking waters water quality Introduced consumer rights and performance standards for utility companies, including the water sector, to improve service and transparency. Effective 1992 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1992/43/contents
The Drinking Water Directive European Parliament & Council EU Legistlation mangement and monitoring of Drinking water quality The DWD sets quality standards for drinking water and requires drinking water quality to be monitored and reported. Effective 1998 (revised 2021) https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/drinking-water_en
The Environment Act 2021 UK Parliament England and Wales Legistitive Water quality standards: physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology Sets legally binding environmental targets (standards), strengthens regulation of water companies, and enhances water quality and biodiversity protections post-Brexit. Effcetive 2021 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2021/30/contents
The WaterFramework directive EU EU Legistlation monitoring and management of groundwater and surface waters (rivers, lakes, transitional waters, and coastal waters), marine waters Specifies the criteria (standards) for evaluating water status, including Biological quality, Hydromorphological quality, Physical-chemical quality and Chemical quality Effective 2000 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/water-framework-directive_en
The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 updated in 2018 UK Parliament England and Wales Legistation management and monitoring of drinking waters water quality Sets strict standards for drinking water quality, requiring regular monitoring and action to ensure safety for public health. Effective 2016 updated in 2018 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/614/contents