Compliance and enforcement in the water sector

Our Compliance and Enforcement Policy outlines the commission's approach in monitoring and assisting compliance with the Water Industry Standards. 

In line with the policy, the commission will consider the compliance approaches which will deliver the best outcomes for Victorian water consumers. These may include assisting compliance through general information (education, workshops, publishing guidance, promoting best practice) and also specific compliance guidance (meeting with water businesses to discuss concerns and identify options for improvement). 

We can accept enforceable undertakings from water businesses to support the long-term interests of Victorian water consumers.

An enforceable undertaking is an administrative alternative to court action. We may accept a written undertaking from a water business regarding any matter that relates to our regulatory powers. 

If the water business does not comply with their obligations set out in the undertaking, we can enforce compliance with the undertaking in court.

Our enforceable undertakings guideline helps regulated entities and persons who are considering offering an enforceable undertaking to us. It explains:

• the commission's power to accept an enforceable undertaking
• the process for offering an enforceable undertaking to the commission
• the commission's general expectations concerning the form and acceptable terms for an enforceable undertaking 
• consequences of entry into an enforceable undertaking with the commission
• consequences of breaching an enforceable undertaking.