First Time Sewerage Factsheet

First time sewerage is for customers who are not connected to our public sewer network and who currently have private sewer systems. Owners or occupiers of premises can request United Utilities to provide a public sewer, or ‘first time sewerage’ if the following criteria are met:

• The application is for a premises already in existence and which uses a private wastewater system (such as a septic tank, for example) and on which there are buildings used for living accommodation
• The drains or sewers used for domestic sewerage purposes (such as toilet flushing) do not currently, either directly or through an intermediate drain or sewer, connect with a public sewer
• The effect of the private wastewater system being used is causing, or likely to cause, an adverse effect to the local environment, such as a local watercourse
• The environment or amenity problem cannot be more appropriately resolved by improved maintenance or operation of the existing systems

We will only recommend constructing and building a new sewer if it is found to be the most cost-effective solution. Often existing issues with sewerage treatment may be resolved by repair or maintenance and we would always advise you to look into this first before applying for a new sewer.

Domestic dwellings designed or occupied as living accommodation, but not sheds, garages, stables or other outbuildings.

For industrial/commercial buildings (shops, factories, public houses, hotels etc.) it would only be any domestic wastewater from activities such as from flushing toilets, kitchens and washing etc. Other commercial activities may need a separate trade consent.

This could be something which will impact the water quality of the local watercourse for example if it drains into somewhere or cause issues such as smells, nuisance or public health issues.

You can apply for first time sewerage by filling out our online application form. Before you apply, we recommend that you have a chat with your neighbours to see if they would support your application. A new sewer is often only practical and affordable if a number of households are involved.

Once we’ve received your application, we’ll contact you to confirm how long it will take us to assess. Firstly, your application will be reviewed to see if it meets the qualifying criteria for our first time sewerage process. If it meets the criteria, it will then go through a further detailed technical, environmental and cost assessment looking at all options to ensure that the most affordable solution is found. As part of the assessment, we will:

• Liaise with the Environment Agency, Local Authority and local householders
• Survey the existing system

Please bear in mind, this assessment can take up to 12 months to complete.

Following the technical, environmental and economic assessment, we’ll send out a letter to all households involved confirming our decision. Please again bear in mind, the assessment can take up to 12 months. If your application has been successful, we’ll detail the next steps with timescales for the work that needs to take place. These timescales will be determined by our investment programme, which is set out every five years, it could therefore be several years before the project is completed. If you have not been successful, we’ll detail the reasons why.

If you disagree with our assessment, or with the timescales for the construction and build of the new public sewer, we’ll provide all the information you need to appeal to the Environment Agency. Their decision will be final.

United Utilities (UU) will be responsible for the new public sewer, its construction and future maintenance.

If you choose to connect to the new sewer, you’ll be liable for the following costs:

• The arrangement and cost of installing the pipe (house drain) between your premises and the new sewer. This cost will vary depending on the distance from the private house drain to the sewer
• Obtaining building regulations approval from the local authority for the above work
• The cost and arrangements for emptying and making safe the old private drainage system, which may include re-arrangement of internal and external drainage systems
• A one-off charge to UU to make the connection to the sewer of £442.04 (in 2025/26)
• Once connected to the public sewer, annual sewerage charges will be added to your water bill, starting from the date of connection. For details of annual charges click here

It is in the interests of each householder to connect to the public sewer if it is provided as the potential environmental or amenity benefits will be better achieved if all properties do connect.

Yes, if you are not currently connected to the network you can pay for a connection. Click here to find out more.

We understand this is a complex process and the application takes a long time. We can help answer any questions you may have. We have a team of experts who can offer support and advice. Please call us on 0800 197 1025 and you’ll be put through to the correct team. Alternatively, you can email us at fts@uuplc.co.uk and our team will get back to you.

Visit our web page all about First Time Sewerage.