Supply and standards
In this section you can find out more about:
- Getting a water or sewerage connection. There are different rules for getting a water or sewerage connection, depending on what you want to use the water for.
- Responsibility for water and sewerage pipes. Landowners, water and sewerage companies, local authorities and the Highways Agency share responsibility for water and sewerage pipes.
- Public and private sewers. The sewerage system is made up of public sewers, private sewers and private drains. The water and sewerage companies are responsible for public sewers, while private drains and sewers are the responsibility of the owner or occupier of the property.
- Water pressure. Water companies have a duty to provide water at a suitable pressure, and you can take action if you suspect that your water pressure is to high or low.
- Leakage is treated water lost from the distribution system. The water companies have targets for fixing leaks.
- Supply interruptions are mostly caused by weather conditions – either extended drought, or severe flooding that disrupts the system.
- Plumbing. You are responsible for the drains, water pipes and plumbing fixtures on your property.
- Standards of service. All customers of water and sewerage companies are entitled to guaranteed minimum standards of service, as laid down by the Government. These rights are known as the guaranteed standards scheme (GSS)
