Section 9 – Powers of entry, inspection etc.
30.Subsections (1) to (4) confer a number of powers to enable the Regulator to establish whether drinking water quality duties are being complied with. These are powers of entry to the premises of public water suppliers and of those receiving supplies from a supplier and, if entry to those premises is not sufficient, powers of entry to the premises of other persons (subsection (2)), power to carry out inspections, measurements and tests on the premises or of substances, articles and documents found there (subsection (2)(b)) and power to remove such substances etc. for the purpose of carrying out such inspections etc. (subsection (2)(c)) and power to remove samples from the premises (subsection (2)(d)). Subsection (3) provides that the powers in subsection (2) cannot be exercised in relation to the premises described in subsection (2)(a) (iii) unless the Regulator is satisfied that the information he requires cannot be obtained by exercise of his powers in relation to the premises referred to in subparagraphs (2) (a) (i) and (ii).
31.The owners and occupiers of premises being entered are required to give the Regulator such assistance and information as the Regulator requires (subsection (4)). Refusal or failure to comply is an offence, as is obstruction of a person exercising the powers of entry etc. conferred by this section (subsection (5)). Subsection (6) specifies the penalties for these offences.
