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Adoption of new sewers or pumping stations
If your development is going to be connected to our sewerage system, you’ll need to lay the on-site drains and sewers.
Sewers and pumping stations must be built in accordance with the current publication Sewers for Adoption 6th edition addendums.
We promote the use of a Section 104 agreement, (Water Industry Act 1991) for the adoption of new sewers and waste water pumping stations that are to be built as part of new developments. If you’d like us to adopt these, you’ll need to complete our S104 aid to making a sewer adoption.
As part of this application, you’ll also need to apply for a Sewer Connection (under Section 106 of the Water Industry Act 1991), if you wish to connect to our existing asset.
Pumping stations Each technical submission for proposed adoptable pumping stations is reviewed against the standards: Sewers for adoption 7th Edition Sewers for adoption 6th edition – addendums
When we review your proposal, this is the standards that we’ll use, even if you are submitting the rest of your gravity network under Sewers for Adoption 6th edition.
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Why has the water cover been marked with paint?
We use blue paint to either mark a location of a stop tap or meter when we’re planning maintenance work or when we know there’s a fault that needs resolving. Other utilities also use a different colour paint to mark locations of their apparatus for the same reasons.
Where can I find my customer reference number?
Your 10 digit customer reference number can be found at the top of your latest bill.If you can’t find your bill, we can call you back. Please complete the details in our Arrange a free call back section on this page. If you've already registered for My Account and...
How do I apply for a new sewer connection?
You can complete our sewer connection application form and return it to us by email, the guidance notes contain more information. You’ll need to arrange for a drain to be laid from your property to our sewer, therefore a connection is only possible if we have a sewer...
Do you carry out Legionella testing?
Yes, our laboratory is accredited for the analysis of Legionella in hot and cold water systems, swimming pools, spa pools and hot tubs. If you’d like to make an analytical enquiry you can use our online form.
Water connections
What do I need to do if I’m planning to build an extension or conservatory?
If you are building close to or over a public sewer, you’ll need to complete a Build Over Enquiry application form. You can find more guidance on building near public sewers.
Does my pipework need to meet with any regulations?
Yes, pipework and plumbing must comply with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. These are designed to stop contamination of water supplies by preventing back-flow, back-siphonage and interconnections of water from other sources.
Can I arrange to lay my own water mains and make service connection?
Yes, if you are or are employing an accredited self lay organisation, you can undertake this work. You can agree with us to lay your water mains and connections, however you will need to make an application to do so. You’ll find more details within our Self lay...
How much does a new water connection cost?
We’ll provide you with a quote which will be specific to your connection requirements after we’ve completed a site survey. The quote will be made up of: Connection costs (all work, materials required for us to make connection) Traffic management (depending on the...
Sewer connections
How do I apply for a new sewer connection?
You can complete our sewer connection application form and return it to us by email, the guidance notes contain more information. You’ll need to arrange for a drain to be laid from your property to our sewer, therefore a connection is only possible if we have a sewer...
Can I build over a public sewer?
Yes, if your extension or proposed building work is over or within 3 metres of a public sewer or lateral drain, you’ll need to let us know. You’ll need to check our guidance notes to ensure you meet the criteria and if so, complete the Declaration of works form online...
Why do I need permission to build over or close to a public sewer?
We need to approve your proposal of works (even if you have already had planning permission granted) as your building could cause damage or prevent access to the sewer. Some conservatories and minor works don’t always need planning and/or building regulation approval,...
What if my extension was built over a private sewer before 1 October 2011?
If the property was built before the transfer of private sewers to us on 1 October 2011, the works are legal as there would have been no need for approval before this date. There's more information here on building over a public sewer after this date.
Commercial services
What does a CON29DW drainage and water search contain?
The Conveyancing 29 Drainage and Water (Con29DW) is designed to identify any liability that you may incur as an owner and uncover problems that may impact on the property value and lead to expensive maintenance bills. The search contains: An analysis of the risk of...
What public health and environment services do you provide?
Our Laboratory analyses environmental and recreational samples to support businesses in meeting regulatory and public health requirements.
What kind of laboratory tests and services do you carry out?
Our laboratory carries out a wide range of chemical and microbiological tests. We analyse environmental and recreational samples to support business’ meet their regulatory and public health requirements. If you’d like to make an analytical enquiry you can use our online...
Can you test our trade effluent?
Yes. Our laboratory offers an independent analytical service for trade effluents. If you’d like to make an analytical enquiry you can use our online form