The Start of the Connection Process
Before we can make any new connection it is vital that we are involved from the start in your planning as every development is unique. We aim, through early discussion with yourselves, to:
- Identify water requirements and provide the service you need
- Safeguard the quality of existing and future supplies
- Develop and encourage good working relationships
We aim to make the process as straightforward as possible and will endeavour to clearly inform you :-
- What you need to do
- When you need to do it
- How to involve us
Issues for New Developments - What a Developer Needs to Consider
We encourage early consultation with developers to ensure our Distribution Network can supply any proposed new developments. Any changes to our network will be charged to the developer. Speculative enquiries will raise a nominal charge to cover provision of plans, network analysis, payment of Ordnance Survey Licenses.
Before we can lay a water main in a public highway we must give a minimum of 4 weeks notice to the Local Authority (required by New Roads and Streetworks Act (NRSWA) 1991).
The following issues apply to many of the applications we deal with:-
- Availability of water - If a new development means laying new mains or extending existing mains the cost will be passed to the developer/applicant.
- Contaminated Land - The site history and a detailed soil analysis will be required at time of application.
- Health and Safety Issues - You must conform to Health and Safety Regulations.
- Network Analysis Requirements - Detailed network analysis could take up to two months, early application is advised.
- Access to provide new mains - Ease of access is important, where possible, we would prefer to lay water mains in a service access strip or within the highway.
- Fire Brigade Requirements - Early application will speed up the process for the Fire Brigade to site position of Fire Hydrants (allow 6 weeks).
- Road Closures - The Local Authority require 6 weeks notice of road closures. There may be a charge for road closure.
- Water Pressure - We aim to provide minimum water pressure of 10 metres head at pavement level. This should be sufficient to supply water 10 metres above pavement level. In a standard two storey house, built at pavement level, a water storage cistern is not likely to be more than 10 metres above our main.
- If you are constructing buildings over two storeys, you will need to discuss your water pressure requirements with our Water Regulations Department.
- Access to private land - Arranging access to private property can be time consuming and can also affect the cost of laying a new main.
The earlier you make your application - the sooner we can provide the response you need.
Please click the following link to download an application form for a Standard 25mm New Water Connection or Non-Standard New Water Connection of 32mm or above
Infrastructure Charges
Infrastructure charges are payable in addition to connection charges. They are payable whenever a new or additional supply is required and helps us pay for the costs of adapting our network to meet the demands of new developments.
Water Supply Connections - Who is Responsible?
The supply pipe must be laid by the developer/customer from the property to the road boundary, ensuring it is in the right position and in line with any duct ready for us to make the connection into the water mains.
We need to inspect new underground supply pipes on customers' premises before the trench containing them is backfilled, unless an internal meter is to be installed and agreement on "self-certification" has been made.
We shall then install the communication pipe from the water main to the street boundary. If we need to do any additional excavation or bridge any gaps you will have to pay the extra costs before we do the work.
Our part of the pipework includes a meter and controlling stop tap valve for each property. The stop tap valve will be sited as near as possible to the boundary of the property and the meter will generally be installed at the same position. In certain cases, the meter may be required to be installed internally within the premises. This option will require an external reading facility.
What type of water supply is required?
A standard service pipe for domestic premises is 25mm. Sizes for commercial developments will vary depending on the individual circumstances.
We require separate supplies for all new or newly converted properties. Each house, flat or part of a building separately occupied will have its own water supply and meter.
Supply Pipes laid together.
If you lay two or more service pipes together, it is important that:-
- enough space for us to make a connection has been allowed
- each pipe has been clearly marked with the plot / unit number it will supply
Building Supplies
You will need to contact Developer Services Unit: -
- before using a water supply that is already available on site, so we can inspect the supply's suitability and install a meter.
- if there is no existing supply, so we can provide one - you should contact our Developer Services Unit on (01922) 618062 requesting an New Supply Application Form
A building supply can be :-
- temporary (in which case we will disconnect it after the site is complete)
- kept on as a permanent supply to any plot/unit after the site is complete.
Shared Supplies
When one service pipe supplies more than one premises we call it a shared supply.
We prefer to provide separate supplies where possible, however, if this is impractical we may consider allowing shared supplies for buildings that are to be permanently kept under one owner or management company.
For example a sheltered housing complex and those dwelling houses included in the Housing (Right to Acquire) Regulations 1997 (No.619) for "persons with special needs and/or require intensive housing assistance". The owner or management company would then be responsible for the payment of water charges and this charging method is termed a "Common Billing Agreement"
If you are an existing customer on a shared supply you can click the following link to download an Application for 25mm Separation of Existing Supply or Replacement Water Connection.
Fire Supplies
Supplies for fire-fighting (sprinkler systems for example) are usually required for non-domestic premises, thus the relevant Fire Authority and/or insurance company, will need to be consulted to identify the type and size of supply needed for fire supplies on each site.
We will install the fire supply from our main to the highway boundary, the cost for which will be the developer's responsibility. The developer and the subsequent occupier of the premises are also responsible for the installation and future maintenance of the full length of the fire supply from the valve on the T-piece of the main.
Fire supplies are not subject to Infrastructure Charges and do not attract water services charges, this is in accordance with S.147 Water Industry Act 1991.
What is the water for?
The level of Infrastructure Charges that are applicable, will depend for what purpose the water is required.
- Domestic Purposes this means water used for drinking, washing, cooking, central heating and sanitary uses.
- Non-Domestic Purposes this covers all other uses, for example, processing, manufacturing, agricultural, irrigation.
New Connection Charges
Our Charges are valid from 1st April - 31st March each year, and may be subject to change. Cheques should be made payable to :- ‘South Staffordshire Water Plc’
View our full charges scheme.(pdf download 280 kb)
Water Regulations Inspections
It is important that any developer understands the importance of complying with regulatory requirements as we shall not be able to connect the supply if we find areas which do not fully comply. Any faults must be corrected and a subsequent inspection requested. On receipt of a satisfactory inspection report and payment of the quotation we will aim to connect your supply within 21 days. To manage our work planning efficiently we request that you let us know the earliest date your supply will be ready for connection.
To ensure that a first time successful inspection is achieved you must comply with the following underground supply pipe requirements.
Standard Supply Pipe Inspections
Underground supply pipe inspections are required for the following applications:-
- Commercial/Industrial supplies
- New domestic property developments less than 10 plots
- Replacement supplies to existing properties
- Any domestic supply of 90mm dia. or over
Supply Pipes Must :-
- Be laid to a depth not less than 750mm and not more than 1350 mm below finished ground level in the correct material as specified by Developer Services. If unsure about the type of supply pipe material to be used you should contact Developer Services.
- Be surrounded by sand and backfilled with suitable material.
- Be provided with separate supplies for each premises / property terminating at the boundary of the public highway.
- Terminate with a female iron fitting where Barrier/Metallic pipes have been specified. (Note only water industry approved barrier pipe systems to be used)
- Have clearly marked and visible ducts provided on new site road crossings, visible from both ends and large enough for the service pipe to pass through and be withdrawn if necessary. They should also be distinguishable from other service ducts, adequately marked or recorded, and if laid in the road, have a minimum of 900mm or maximum of 1,350 mm cover.
- Be laid in a continuous straight length to the boundary with a tail length of 0.5m provided for us to connect onto and ducted where it enters the building together with insulation (where required).
- Be tagged at both ends to denote the Plot/House number, have a controlling stop tap fitted on the rising main and be laid as per the site plan.
- Not cross any other property boundaries except by prior written consent (i.e.) an easement agreement. Tree planting restrictions should also be borne in mind.
To arrange an inspection contact Developer Services on 01922 618062
To enable a first time successful inspection to be achieved you should :-
- Allow a minimum of 5 working days notice for us to schedule a Site Liaison Inspector's visit.
- Ensure all of the pipework is available for inspection in order that our Inspector can clearly see the pipework depth and entry/connection points.
The trench must not be backfilled until we have completed our inspection.
Supply Pipe Self Certification Scheme
We operate a Self Certification Scheme for new domestic development sites over 10 plots. The scheme is intended to give Developers licence to lay and backfill supply pipes without the need for an inspection by the Company. To ensure that the appropriate responsibility is provided for each supply pipe, we require the Developer to complete a certificate of compliance with the Water Regulations and return it to our Developer Services Unit by post or by Fax to 01922 631779. Click here to download a copy of the Supply Pipe Self Certification form.
Site Audits
Our Site Liaison Inspectors will make random audits and spot checks to ensure that Developers are adhering to supply pipe requirements. Evidence of failure at this stage will prevent the connection from proceeding until our Inspector has completed a satisfactory inspection. If compliance failure only becomes apparent at the time of connection (eg. supply pipe shallow, wrong material, wrong position) a surcharge will be levied and the job cancelled until compliance has been achieved.
Repeated failure to adhere to the Self Certification scheme requirements will terminate the agreement with that Developer who will be reverted to the Standard Supply Pipe Inspection procedure previously described.
Water Meter Location
It is our policy that all water meters are installed at the boundary of the public highway. In certain situations we may permit the installation of internal water meters where a common supply is required to service a building or water boosting is required (eg. certain apartment developments). Where internal metering has been permitted our Site Liaison Inspector will agree suitable locations for meters and touch pads.
Backflow Protection Requirements
To prevent the water supply being contaminated, you must fit adequate backflow protection at any point where the supply could become contaminated due to backflow or back siphonage. E.g. you must fit a double check valve to garden taps, a mains-fed shower (where the shower head can reach below the top rim of the bath, shower tray, wash basin or other similar water appliance).
Where standpipes are to be used for building purposes, you must fit a double check valve and attach the standpipe to a rigid structure. If a standpipe is to be used for a permanent supply, we need to re-inspect your underground pipework before the supply becomes permanent.
Minimum Connection Requirements
We will be unable to connect your supply pipe until the following minimum connection requirements have been satisfied:-
- A quotation has been issued for the relevant Plot/Unit/House and paid in full.
- The supply pipe has been inspected and passed by our Water Inspector(or self-certification has been approved) and thus, does not contravene any Water Regulations.
- Mains already exist or have recently been installed from which the connection can be made.
- Kerb and back edging will have to be in place to enable the boundary box to be installed to the correct finished surface level.
Complying with Regulations - Installation Guidance
We have included diagrams to provide guidance on acceptable methods of installation and assist you in getting it right first time by installing your water fittings in accordance with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.
The following diagrams are re-produced as extracts from the Water Regulations Guide which is produced by the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS). Our Water Regulations team can also provide advice and guidance on compliance with the water regulations if you have a specific query relating to your installation.
Requirements for Installing Water Supply Pipes. (pdf download 122kb)
Requirements for Protecting & Accessing Water Supply Pipes. (pdf download 149kb)
Details for Cisterns for storing water and Animal troughs. (pdf download 268kb)
Standpipe Arrangement. (pdf download 106kb)
A full copy of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 is available on request.
Getting More Information
If you need any more information or help, please get in touch with the Developer Services Unit on Tel. (01922) 618062 between 9.00am and 4.30pm weekdays. We will be able to give you any information you need about applying for new water services. If you prefer you can write to us at:-
Developer Services Unit South Staffordshire Water PLC Green Lane, Walsall. WS2 7PD
Handling Disputes
If you are not happy with the level of the Connection Charges quoted please contact us and we will arrange to carry out a review of these charges once the work has been completed. We will calculate the actual costs of the work carried out and amend the charges accordingly. We will then issue a refund in the event of an over-payment, or an invoice for any additional charges, depending on the outcome of the review.
If you are not happy with the service we provide and our Developer Services Team have been unable to resolve the problem please contact:-
Mr Bill Reid - Developer Services Manager
on Tel. 01922 638282 ext.3125 or in writing at the above address.
If you remain dissatisfied you can ask our Director of Customer Services to consider it. You can write to her at:-
Ms Rachel Barber – Director of Customer Services
South Staffordshire Water PLC
Green Lane, Walsall, WS2 7PD
If you are still not happy after our Director of Customer Services has considered your complaint, you can appeal to our Managing Director, he can be contacted at:-
Dr J Carnell - Managing Director
South Staffordshire Water PLC
Green Lane, Walsall. WS2 7PD
We aim to provide a high standard of service. However, if you are unable to resolve a dispute within the Company regarding Connection or Infrastructure Charges, you should contact Ofwat requesting a "Determination of Costs". Ofwat can be contacted at:
Ofwat
Complaints and Disputes
Centre City Tower
7 Hill Street
Birmingham
B5 4UA
Tel: 0121 625 1300
Fax: 0121 625 1359
Email: enquiries@ofwat.gsi.gov.uk
Web: www.ofwat.gov.uk
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