What is sewer adoption?
When we "adopt" sewers, their ownership and legal responsibility transfer to us.
Section 104 (S104) agreements
Most sewers on new developments are built under a Section 104 (S104) legal agreement between the developer and us.
What happens if a developer goes out of business?
If a developer goes into administration or stops trading before adoption is complete, the situation becomes more complex. Responsibility for the sewers may stay with the developer’s administrators, pass to a management company, or fall to the residents.
If an adoption agreement is already in place, we can still progress the adoption, but only after the sewers meet the required standards. You may be asked to support this by sharing site information or helping coordinate communication.
Understanding developer bonds
As part of the adoption process, developers normally provide a financial bond as security.
Sewer adoption vs. road adoption
Local highway authorities often require sewers to be adopted before they will take over the roads. While this can be frustrating, sewer and road adoption are entirely separate legal processes.
| Feature | Sewer adoption | Road adoption |
|---|---|---|
| Who manages the process | The water company | The local highway authority |
| Bond value | Usually around 10% of sewer construction costs | Typically around 100% of road construction costs |
| Scope and use | Limited. Funds cannot automatically be used to complete works | Authorities may be able to use funds to complete unfinished road works |
| What this means for residents | Adoption can only happen once the sewers meet the required standards | Road adoption may be delayed until sewer adoption is complete |
Pumping stations and SuDS
Pumping stations
If your development includes a pumping station, adoption will usually take longer. They require extra monitoring, testing, and maintenance periods before we can take them over.
Until adoption is complete, responsibility remains with the developer or management company.
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)
You might notice features like ponds, swales, basins, or landscaped green spaces designed to manage rainwater. These are Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).
How residents can help
Can residents pay us to complete the outstanding works?
Unfortunately, no. We are unable to carry out repairs or complete outstanding works, even if residents offer to fund them. Responsibility for these works remains with the developer (or any successor in title) until the sewer is formally adopted.
However, residents may choose to fund and arrange the outstanding works themselves by appointing a suitably qualified groundworks contractor. Any works completed would still need to meet the required adoption standards before an adoption agreement can be progressed.
Get in touch
If you think your development has an adoption agreement, or you want to check the status of your sewers, please contact our Sewer Adoption Team.
They will review your site details and explain exactly what stage the adoption process has reached.