All reservoirs under the Reservoirs Act 1975 must be inspected and supervised by a panel engineer.
Panel engineers are a group of specialist civil engineers appointed by the Secretary of State to one of the following panels for a period of five years, following which they have to re-apply for appointment.
Construction engineers
A construction engineer is appointed to supervise the design and construction of a new reservoir or modification of a reservoir such that increases its capacity.
Inspecting engineers
An inspecting engineer is appointed to inspect a reservoir, identify and make recommendations to be taken in the interests of safety when appropriate, and in their role as a Qualified Civil Engineer (QCE) they are employed to supervise and certify the completion of the works.
Supervising engineers
A supervising engineer is appointed to supervise the operation and maintenance of the reservoir at all times (for example, available at all times), unless the reservoir is under construction.