Diversion of public sewers
If there is a public sewer within your proposed development site, a diversion may be required to allow your development to progress.
To request for a public sewer to be diverted, you’ll need to read our guidance notes and complete our Sewer requisition or diversion application form.
Our charges for diversion of public sewers are detailed in our Developer Services Charges Scheme
For small building projects such as an extension or garage, take a look at our Small build sewer diversion process.
How can we help
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How do I apply for a new water supply?
We’ll send you an application form and information pack in the post; we’ll call you back to arrange this. Please complete the details in our Arrange a free call back section on the right. When you’ve completed the form, we’ll contact you within 3 working days of...
Can I separate my shared supply?
Yes, if you would like to separate your supply from a shared supply you can apply for a new connection. We’ll give you a 20% discount (up to a maximum of £250) on our charges for the work that’s required to install and connect our part of the new supply pipes to the...
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...
How do I report a leak on my supply pipe?
You can complete our online leak form or call our Services Helpline 0344 346 2020 It will be your responsibility to repair it and approved plumbers can be found through WaterSafe or on the Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme [WIAPS]. We’ll send you an information...
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 using a multi-utility contractor. The designer and contractor should be approved through Lloyds Register...
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