3 October 2011
On 1 October 2011, ownership of gravity-based private sewers and lateral drains which are connected to the public sewerage system changed in accordance with the Water Industry (Schemes for Adoption of Private Sewers) Regulations 2011.
The historical arrangement over which sewers were private and which were public was deemed complicated, inconsistent and unfair as those customers served by public sewers received a more comprehensive drainage service for the same charge.
Defra estimates that 10 million properties across England and Wales were connected to private sewers and following the transfer of these private sewers and lateral drains this figure will radically be reduced. In all cases, property owners will remain responsible for internal plumbing and their own private drains.
Frequently asked questions are available for you to download, along with details of amendments to Thames Water's CON29DW and CommercialDW.
If you have any questions please contact our Customer Service team on 0845 070 9148 or email us at onlinecustomers@thameswater.co.uk.
