The 2003 Act created the Consumer Council for Water as a forum for consumers to replace WaterVoice. The new regulations make consequential amendments and supplementary provisions coming into effect on 1 October this year.
The regulations also give effect to requirements in the 2003 Act for water undertakers to grant licensed water suppliers access to their water mains. The provisions, which come into force on 1 December, facilitate competition in water supply through common carriage.
The 2003 Act establishes the Water Services Regulation Authority to replace the Director General of Water Services and Ofwat. The regulations make the necessary amendments and supplementary provisions to bring this into effect on 1 April 2006.