Diverting, altering or abandoning a public sewer
If you want to improve or develop land that you own, and the public sewerage would likely stop or hinder your development, then you have the right to request its alteration or removal. However, this does not apply to any sewers on a public highway or road.
Once we’ve received your expression of interest form, we will review your requirements and we will issue you with a follow up email with the application pack attached. Please complete the application form and return it to us by sending it to developer.services@dwrcymru.com along with all of the requested supporting documentation.
Once we’ve got all the information we need, our engineers will then consider your request and let you know whether we agree with your suggestion within 28 working days.
If you aren’t sure how to fill out either the expression of interest form, application form or have any questions, take a read of our guidance notes.
How much will it cost?
There are two different ways you can use this service:
If it is decided you can undertake the diversion work yourself, and it is safe enough for you to do so, then the process is similar to the adoption of proposed sewerage described above. There are two charges related to this option:
We charge an inspection fee, which also covers technical vetting of your design, which is £769.13.
We also charge a legal fee. The fee depends on the type of documents needed, and what needs to be registered with land registry. For example, a diversion agreement, with no associated Deed of Grant of Easement, has a fee starting at £175.47
A refundable surety/bond is secured as part of the legal agreement. The surety/bond is released following successful completion of a maintenance period after completion of the works.
If you want us to carry out the diversion, or if we must carry out the work on your behalf due to operational or safety issues, then the process is similar to sewer requisitions. There are two charges related to this option:
An initial application fee:
This is an upfront non-refundable fee of £2,500+VAT, to be paid on application, using a valid credit or debit card. Once the works have been completed, we’ll then deduct the application fee from your final bill, so you’ll just have to pay the difference.
A cost of bespoke works
This is variable based on the amount of work necessary to divert our assets. The cost is fully rechargeable to you.
For information on our charges, visit our schedule of charges here.
Important note
- In line with the Water Industry Act 1991, we have a duty to consider all reasonable requests for diversion.
- However, a diversion which would mean that the public sewer would be unusable, inaccessible or see its performance reduced would typically be considered unreasonable.