Building near or over a minor public sewer

Find out what you should do if your project could affect one of our sewers.

We have recently completed a review of our process for building over or near a sewer.

If you meet our standard criteria, you have our consent to proceed. It means you won’t need to contact us.

We own and maintain thousands of kilometres of public sewers. These take away sewage, keep the environment clean and are an essential part of everyday life.

Many of our sewers run within private land and are usually found to the front, rear or side of a property. If you are planning a new development or home improvement project, it’s important that you take the appropriate steps to protect our sewer and your new building.

Failure to do this could make it difficult for you to sell your property in the future or cost you money if something goes wrong.

The first thing you need to do is find out whether there are any public sewers within your land.

Finding a public sewer

Public sewers are owned and maintained by us and are often located to the front, side or rear of domestic properties.

Public and private sewers

Find out what the difference is between private and public sewers.

Network maps

We can provide you with a copy of our plans showing the location of water mains and sewers near to your house or development site.

If there are no minor public sewers within three metres of your new building

You don't need to notify us beforehand or review our standard criteria.

If there are minor public sewers within three metres of your new building

You will need to review our standard criteria and follow our guidance.

You are building near or over a minor public sewer

e.g with in three metres of it
Apply online

Guidance notes

  • BONS2 Build over guidance notes

    wwds-bons2-building-over-or-near-a-sewer-guidance-notes-and-procedure.pdf - (1.30mb)