PWTAG (pronounced pewtag) was set up in 1984, the year that the Department of the Environment Sub-Committee on the Treatment of Water in Swimming Pools was wound up. PWTAG, through its active membership, is a ginger group for the swimming pool industry but entirely independent both from the industry and from the various agencies that have a bearing on the operation of pools. It is a focus for debate and improvement in operational and management standards in an area which comes under significant financial and political, as well as technical pressure.

PWTAG's constitution gives it a major role in the treatment and quality of swimming pool water, through:

• Monitoring and advising on important issues and developments
• Reviewing existing advice and publications
• Publishing books, reports, guidance notes and press releases
• Research projects
• Developing standards and legislation
  

This responsibility covers water in all swimming, leisure and specialist pools used by the public, under both public and private ownership and management. The issues addressed by PWTAG arise both from within the group and outside - either as specific suggestions, or as a consequence of PWTAG's advisory role.