Regulation
The water industry is one of the most heavily regulated industries. The three principal regulators are the Office of Water Services (OFWAT - economic regulation), the Environment Agency (environmental regulation) and the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI - regulator of drinking water quality). These three regulators, along with others, act to ensure that monopoly water companies take account of the interests of customers, the environment and consumers. Sometimes compliance with the statutory requirements of these regulators or water industry law may conflict directly with Portsmouth Water's ideal biodiversity aspirations.