Entry for Water Pollution Investigation

Water Resources Act 1991, s.169

Warrant: No
Force: No
Notice: Yes

An authorised person may enter any premises for the purpose of exercising any power or performing any duty conferred by the Water Resources Act 1991, including investigating water pollution offences, inspecting water abstraction licences, and monitoring compliance with discharge consents. This power is exercised by Environment Agency officers and supports the regulation of water quality across England and Wales.

Conditions

The person must be authorised in writing by the Environment Agency
Entry must be at a reasonable time
Except in an emergency, 7 days' notice must be given if the premises are used as a dwelling

Limitations

This is an Environment Agency power: police do not exercise it directly
The authorised person may take samples of water or effluent, carry out tests, and install monitoring equipment
Obstruction of an authorised officer is a criminal offence

Last updated 24 September 2026