Help me get started
Guidance, information and support to help you understand your options before applying.
Choose the option that best describes your situation:
1. To begin your application, you can find links below if you're ready to apply or more help if you need it I'm ready to apply
2. What would you like to do?
Planning your project
Access the planning information and guidance you need to get your development off to the best start, including maps of our network, Planning and Pre Planning and advice on working near our assets.
Planning your projectSewer and drainage services
Find everything you need to manage drainage for your development, including new sewer connections, sewer adoptions, and building over or near our assets.
Sewer and drainage servicesWater services
Explore our range of water services, including new water connections, installing or diverting water mains, and replacing existing supplies.
Water servicesBefore you apply
The application you need depends on what you're planning to do. Whether you're building a new home, developing commercial premises, extending a property, or separating a shared supply, our "Help Me Get Started" section can guide you to the right service.
Not always. Many customers contact us before obtaining planning permission to understand network capacity, costs and potential constraints. However, some applications may require planning details before they can be progressed.
The cost of your application will depend on the type and complexity of your project. You can view our current charges and fees in the Scheme of Charges.
Once we receive your application, we'll assess your requirements and provide a quotation where applicable. If you're unsure what services you need, our team can help guide you before you apply.
Timescales vary depending on the type of application and whether we need additional information. We'll keep you updated throughout the process and let you know if anything is required from you.
Typically you'll need:
- Site location details
- Site plans
- Details of your proposed development
- Planning reference (if available)
Requirements may differ depending on the application type.
New water and wastewater connections
Yes. Water and wastewater connections are assessed separately, so you may need to submit separate applications depending on your development.
Yes. While they are processed separately, applications can be submitted together to help streamline your project.
We recommend applying as early as possible in your project planning process to avoid delays and ensure capacity and design requirements are understood.
Existing properties
You can request plans and information about public water mains and sewers serving a property. Your solicitor may also request this information during the conveyancing process.
In many cases, yes. We can assess whether a separate connection can be provided and explain the options available to you.
It depends on the size and nature of the extension. If additional water demand or changes to drainage arrangements are involved, you may need approval or a new connection.
Building near our assets
You can request asset plans showing the location of public water mains and sewers before starting work.
Building over or near a public sewer may require approval. You should contact us before starting work to ensure your plans meet the necessary requirements.
You may need a diversion. Contact us as early as possible to discuss your requirements, as diverting infrastructure can take time to assess and deliver.
After you apply
You can track the progress of the following applications through our customer portal:
- New Water Connection
- New Sewer Connection
- Build Over Sewer
- Proposed Sewer Adoption
- Proposed Sewer Diversion
For other application types, we'll keep you updated directly as your application progresses. If you need an update at any stage, please contact our Developer Services team and we'll be happy to help.
We'll contact you and explain exactly what information is missing and how to provide it.
Our Developer Services team is here to help. If you're unsure what you need or have questions about your application, please contact us on 0800 917 2652 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm) and we'll guide you through the process. If you'd prefer to email us, click here.
Contact Us
Speak to an advisor
If you have any other questions, you can email or call the Developer Services team and they will be happy to help.
8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday. This is a toll-free telephone number.