United Kingdom water companies  Water supply and sanitation in the United Kingdom is provided by a number of water and sewerage companies. Twelve companies and organisations provide drainage and sewerage services, each over a wide area, to the whole United Kingdom; and supply water to most customers in their areas of operation. There are also 'water only' companies which supply water in certain areas. Some companies are licensed to supply water or sewerage services using the networks of other providers. In England and Wales the economic regulator of water and sewerage is Ofwat and the quality regulator is the Drinking Water Inspectorate. Although Business users receive the services via a Licensed Provider and Scottish Water act as Wholesaler.