We promote the use of a Section 104 agreement (Water Industry Act 1991) for the adoption of sewers and waste water pumping stations that are to be built as part of a new development. Sewers and pumping stations must be built in accordance with the current standards*. 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 communicate to our existing asset - please click here for more information.
If you would like to offer any newly-constructed sewers and pumping stations for adoption by us as public sewers, our team of Adoption Coordinators will assist in guiding you through the process, and will ensure that the assets meet the required standards.
Alternatively sewers can be offered for adoption to a New Appointee and Variation who can also provide wholesale water and/or sewerage services for a specified area. For more information please see our New Appointment and Variations (NAV).
From the 01 April 2020, Ofwat is introducing a new standard practice across the water industry in England which covers the adoption of newly constructed sewers. The new process is outlined in the Water UK’s new Sewer Sector Guidance (SSG) which will be replacing the ‘Sewers for Adoption’ guidance.
Below is a guide on what you need to do when offering new sewers and pumping stations for adoption, including links to relevant application forms
*Up until 1 October 2020 we continued to accept schemes designed to SFA 6th or 7th edition, although 6th, 7th and DCG standards cannot be mixed.