Any advice appreciated - Water authority adopting sewer pipe?

[henpecked]

Had a letter off the local water authority to 'The Owner' so I assume its a blanked idea. They want to take responsibility for existing drains and sewers on my property.
All good, you might say ,but Im always of the opinion that there always a catch, and as the drains currently are 'my' property.

Any advise if this is a good idea or if they're trying to pull a fast one?

Cheers Chaps

Hp

[joydivision]

Yeah, I got one of those through too.
Didnt seem to be a catch, but I had not given it that much thought!

I know what you mean though, why would they want to incur themselves a hell of a lot more cost/problems for nothing in return?

JD

[pickwell paving]

I got one through last week 2, about a week before that they sent a letter out trying to get me to insure the same pipes against damage. :rock:

[msh paving]

Its new law comming in, water co's are taking over all sewer lines,if you read on back of letter there is a full legal agrement

MSH

[henpecked]

Ah Ta guys, just was coming from the' well its my property' angle, so why would they :
1. want to take them on (legislation as said)
2. if I own it, how do you 'take' it?

Compo claim from Severn Trent perhaps?

[lutonlagerlout]

my house is 1922 so i guess its a private sewer at present
I dont really want them coming my side if i get a letter
how do i stand on this?
LLL

[rab1]

this dont apply in scotland but reading between the lines you basically give the water company cart blanche to do as they want on your land. (granted they cant build a sewage works but they can dig up your garden/drive without your permission).

[henpecked]

my house is 1922 so i guess its a private sewer at present
I dont really want them coming my side if i get a letter
how do i stand on this?
LLL

Exactly my point, does it mean access 24/7 and 'exploratory' digs if they have a major leak ?
there must be a rub for them to just say 'dont worry,we will take care of it'

Hp

[flowjoe]

I raised this issue last year i think on a thread.

The water companies applied for a 12% rise in water rates two years back when they knew what was coming, Ofwat told them no chance and in fact you should be doing more with the money you are getting. Useless utilities, Welsh water amongst others had to lay staff off to make ends meet.

The letter i received states that the government estimate 25p to £1.17 a month increase, the water companies are not commenting as they are still talking to Ofwat, roll on 2014 when they know what they have taken on and do their sums.

One inspector i spoke to estimates they currently look after 30% of the system, after October 90%, wheres the money coming from, not to mention trained labour pool ?.

Several more reasons why this could well go A over T Here

[henpecked]

Thanks FJ ,I was hoping youd comment
whats the legalities of it? Can they lead a stream of diggers up your drive on a sunday morning without notice? And whats the chances of telling them to 'Do one' ?

Great link BTW

[flowjoe]

I suppose it will be like any utility company they will have a right to access and maintain there apparatus, should never be any real emergencies though that warrant an early morning raid on your garden.

[henpecked]

I suppose it will be like any utility company they will have a right to access and maintain there apparatus, should never be any real emergencies though that warrant an early morning raid on your garden.

Lol true, Im just a bit perturbed at the prospect of losing , what is essentially, my property, for the hike in utility bill costs.
Seems a bit odd when its put like that? ???
Thanks for the reply FJ, it looks like a properly 'not thought through' can of worms ATM