Adoption of Private Sewers and Lateral Drains by Water Companies

The Government has approved legislation which from the 1st October 2011 transfers ownership of most privately owned shared drains to the water companies (Severn Trent Water Ltd and Anglian Water Services Ltd depending upon where you live) which from then on will become "public sewers".

The private sewers and lateral drains legislation does not amend the drainage legislation within the Building Regulations and as yet Building Control Bodies have received no guidance from the government on how this will impact on the requirements of the Building Regulations. It is however  assumed that there will be joint responsibility between Building Control Bodies and water companies to approve new drainage systems.

Impact On Building Work

If you are intending to carry out any of the following work on a property you are advised to seek advice from the relevent water company:

1. Build an extension over or within 3m of a public sewer
2. Construct a new building over or within 3m of a public sewer
3. Make a new drainage connection to a public sewer

Further Information

Water companies should already have contacted all bill payers in their areas to explain the proposals. For further information on the transfer of your drains to the water companies and any impact this may have on proposals to extend your property, please contact either:

Severn Trent Water Limited (for properties in North West Leicestershire)

Telephone: 08456 016 616

Webpage: http://www.stwater.co.uk/server.php?show=nav.6411

 

Anglian Water Services Limited (for certain other areas within Leicestershire)

Telephone: 08457 145 145

Webpage: https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/household/wastewater-services/Private-sewers-and-lateral-drains.aspx

 

Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

Telephone: 08459 335 577

Webpage: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/water/sewage/sewers/