New Water Connections in Britain Guide

What is a new water connection?

A new water connection is required when a new property connects to the local mains water and sewage services.

Local water companies operate a network of water mains that usually follow the road network to supply drinkable water to properties in the area.

As shown in the diagram below, a water connection involves laying new communication pipes to link a new property to these services.

The process is similar for the sewage network, where a new communication pipe connects the wastewater mains to the drainage pipes of your new commercial property.

💡 If you’ve recently moved into a new property and the water supply has been disconnected, you typically won’t require a new water connection. Instead, contact your water supplier to reactivate the existing connection.

Process for obtaining a new water connection

Our water experts present the step-by-step process for arranging a new business water connection, applicable to both homes and commercial properties.

1. Assess water requirements

Assess the new property’s water consumption requirements. Water pipes are a standard size for homes, but a larger communication pipe may be required for commercial properties with higher demand.

2. Water company application

Submit a connection application to gain permission from the local water wholesaler to connect to the water and wastewater services. Local water companies must ensure your request does not jeopardise existing supplies to other businesses and households in the area.

3. Select a business water supplier

Applications for commercial properties include selecting a business water supplier. Domestic properties will be supplied by the local water company in the area once the connection is live, whereas a licensed business water supplier must supply commercial properties.

4. Site survey and quotation

Once permission has been granted by your water company, arrange a site survey and obtain a quotation from either an accredited self-lay provider or the water company themselves. Review the proposed cost estimate for the new water connection.

5. Site preparation

Complete the pipe-laying within the boundaries of your property as per the standards provided by your local water company. Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with the Water Fittings Regulations.

6. Accept your quote and make payment

Make payment for the quoted amount for your water connection costs. Additional infrastructure upgrade charges may apply if upgrades to the current water infrastructure are required to connect your property.

7. Connection work completed

Upon payment, your supplier or self-lay provider will complete the work required to lay a communication pipe connecting at the boundary of your property. Your supplier will install a water meter and a stopcock valve at the connection point.

8. Inspection and activation

If an accredited self-lay provider has completed your work, your local water supplier will inspect the work for compliance before approving the activation of your new water connection. You will then start to receive water bills related to the new connection.

Who can provide a new water connection?

There are two choices for water connection providers.

Your local water company

This is the business that already owns and operates the mains network in the region around your new business property (Thames Water for business for example)

You can find out who is the local water company in your region here. Each regional wholesaler publishes water connection rates that they will charge for new properties.

The fee will depend on the length and size of the new communication pipes required and the type of surface excavated and reinstated.

Accredited self-lay provider

An accredited self-lay provider is a licensed third party that can connect new properties to the mains network.

Accredited self-layers have the advantage of being able to arrange for multiple utility connections to your property as a single project. Given the need to lay new pipework for a business energy connection and broadband services, one company often needs to manage all utility connections for your project.

Self-layers must be accredited with the Water Industry Registration Scheme so that the water wholesaler will agree to them making connections to the network.

Key points to consider when arranging a new water connection

Our water experts summarise key issues to consider when arranging a new water connection.

New water connection charges

New water connection costs depend on the extent of the groundwork required and can become prohibitively expensive if road closures are necessary.

Here’s a list of potential costs associated with a new water connection:

Administrative costs – Costs incurred in processing the application for a new water connection.
Connection fees – The costs involved in laying new pipework infrastructure to your property.
Meter fees – Fees for installing a smart water meter.
Excess excavation charges – Charges for each additional metre of pipework that must be laid.
Traffic management charges – Charges levied by the highway authority for traffic disruption and/or traffic management during the new water connection.
Water regulation inspections – Inspections of your water systems before activating the new connection.
Infrastructure upgrade charges – If required, a charge for network reinforcement work to ensure the water or wastewater system can handle the additional demand from your water connection.
Requisition charge – This applies when your water connection requires a new or extended water main.

Options such as borehole water supplies can offer a viable alternative to a new water connection if quoted connection costs are prohibitively expensive.

Disputing water connection charges

Water connection charges can be complex. If you disagree with the proposed fees from your local water company, you should initially raise a complaint directly with their customer service team.

Each water company has a process for reviewing complaints, and Ofwat requires them to explain their charges clearly.

If the dispute over water connection charges is unresolved, it can be escalated further to the Consumer Council for Water.

Connection timelines and potential delays

The timelines for a new water connection vary depending on complexity, but the process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.

The timeline can be significantly longer for more complex projects requiring an upgrade to the local infrastructure.

Please visit our page on business water interruptions for temporary water supply options.

Legal and regulatory considerations

Obtaining a new water connection in Britain requires adherence to various legal and compliance requirements. Here’s a summary:

Water Fitting Regulations – These regulations ensure that the water fittings on your premises are installed and maintained to prevent contamination and eliminate unnecessary water consumption.
WIRS Accreditation – The standards and criteria that contractors must meet to be qualified to perform water connection services in compliance with industry standards.
Planning Permission – A water company may insist on reviewing planning permission approvals for new developments before accepting a new water connection.