developers’ charter · developers’ charter – page 3 2. new water mains ends of duct to be...

Developers’ charter – page 1

Street boundary

Public highwayPrivate

Boundary box

Stop tap

Communication PipeSupply PipeMain

Meter

B

A

Developers’ charter


Introduction

Stop Tap must be fitted and can belocated either above or below ground

Pipe clips mounted off toallow for insulation

Drain Tap

Double check valve

Copper to Polyethylene fitting (optional)


Pipe insulated in accordance with B.S. 6700 against

damage from frost

750mm to1350mm depth

Stop Tap to B.S.1010Stop Tap must be fitted and can be

located either above or below ground

Whether you are working on a major development or home alterations, connecting the water supply is an important part of your building process. We aim to work with you in a flexible, efficient and cost-effective way to make sure this stage of the process goes smoothly. Our Developer Services team will provide a high-quality service for your new development requirements as detailed within this charter.

Please contact our team for technical advice and guidance on new service connections or laying a new water main, or visit the Developers’ section of our website at: www.bournemouthwater.co.uk

Developer Services

Bournemouth Water, Francis Avenue, Bournemouth BH11 8NX

Tel: 01202 590059 Fax: 01202 597031 Email: [email protected]

For sewerage connections, please contact either:

Wessex Water 0345 600 3600 or Southern Water 0845 272 0845

The map on the back cover will help you decide which company you have to call.


1. Pre-development services

Tap to be securely fixed to the box

Pipe clips mounted off toallow for insulation

Hose Union Tap

Drain Tap

Double check valve


Pipe insulated in accordance with B.S. 6700 against

damage from frost

Stop Tap to B.S.1010Stop Tap must be fitted and can be

located either above or below groundCopper to B.S.2871

Polyethylene to

Information about our water mainsAn Asset Data Enquiry provides you with plans showing the location, size and general depth of our water mains in and around the site you plan to develop. You can then assess the impact they may have on your project.

Target response time: 10 working days

Flow and pressure investigationsYour new development may impact on our mains network and other customers. Understanding this enables you to plan for any enhancements required. The services we offer are:

• Seven-day pressure profile

This confirms the present network pressure. This information is needed for multi-storey buildings or where pressure-sensitive fittings are being installed.


• Flow and pressure investigation

This establishes whether or not the existing mains network can meet the additional demand created by your proposed development. This investigation is required for larger developments, developments in pressure-sensitive areas or supplies for fire-fighting purposes.


We will advise you which investigation is appropriate before any work commences. Please note that water demand is subject to seasonal variation and this will affect the data being recorded. Therefore, these investigations may not always be conclusive.



Preliminary enquiries and budget estimatesIf you are considering buying a piece of land to develop, you might like to have an idea of the costs involved to supply the area with water. We can provide budget costs for onsite, offsite, reinforcement and diversionary works as follows:

• Standard budget cost enquiry

This provides budget costs for new mains, service connections and diversionary works for your new development, where no offsite or reinforcement works are required.


• Comprehensive budget cost enquiry

This provides the same information as the standard budget cost enquiry with additional flow and pressure investigations which may include network modelling. This is used for larger developments or where offsite/reinforcement works are thought necessary.


Please provide details of your proposed development if you wish us to carry out a preliminary investigation. We will advise you whether a standard or comprehensive budget cost enquiry is appropriate for your development before any work commences.

Charges for pre-development servicesWe will make a charge for all pre-development services outlined above. The charge made for the service can vary according to the scope and nature of the work involved. Our approach to charging for these services is outlined below:

• There is a minimum charge for each of these services. Please see our current ‘Water charges’ booklet, Part 6 – Developers’ charges, for details of these charges. This booklet is available on request or under ‘Publications’ on our website.

• The charges will be based on the estimated time it takes our staff to undertake the work and will also cover their administration and support costs.

An invoice will be sent once the agreed work is complete. All agreements are subject to the Terms and Conditions provided with our quotations.


2. New water mains

Ends of duct to be sealed

Stop Tap to B.S.5433

If you think your development may require a new water main, we can give you advice and lay a new main for you. We can provide the necessary expertise for investigation, design and installation of water mains on your new development.

As the appointed water supplier, we are responsible for ensuring that wholesome, high-quality water is supplied to customers in our area. This means we have a legal duty to make sure that new mains are laid correctly, whether they are laid by us, or whether you choose the self-lay option – see section 5. Developers’ self-lay of water mains and services.

To apply, please write to us requesting a new water main and enclose the following supporting information:

• A plan showing the extent and location of the site

• A site layout drawing showing the road layout and building locations

• Anticipated build rate for the development

• Anticipated date of first occupation

• Soil analysis report for us to assess whether the site is contaminated. The presence of any ground contaminants could adversely affect water pipeline systems. The soil analysis is vital to ensure that we and the developer install the correct materials. Incorrect choice of materials could present a serious health hazard.

• Details of any special site considerations e.g. environmentally sensitive areas, tree preservation orders, English Heritage sites etc.

The response to your enquiry could be delayed if you do not provide the correct information.



ApplicationAfter receiving your written application, we will issue an acknowledgement confirming receipt of your information. We will advise you if any information we require is missing or incomplete.

Target response time: within 3 working days.

We will undertake any surveys and design work and send you a quotation for the installation of the water main(s).

If we have to reinforce our water distribution network to provide you with a supply, the cost will be included within the quotation.

Target response time: 20 working days.

Basis of chargingThe basis of charging for new mains for domestic purposes is set out in Section 43 of the Water Industry Act 1991, as amended by the Water Act 2003.

We will provide an estimate for the laying of a new water main for domestic supply. You have the choice of paying for the main either by a single payment option (known as the Statutory Commuted Sum or Discounted Aggregate Deficit) or by a Revenue Agreement option (known as the Relevant Deficit).

• If you choose the Revenue Agreement option (Relevant Deficit), you will need to pay the value of the Commuted Sum as a security deposit (in some cases we may ask for a higher amount; if so, we will provide our reasons for this). An amount called the Relevant Deficit is deducted from the deposit each year. This amount is the difference between the annual borrowing costs (interest and capital) on the sum needed to finance the main and the total annual water charges received from the development. These Relevant Deficit amounts will be required for a maximum of 12 years or until such time as the annual amounts received in water charges from the development equal or exceed the annual borrowing costs, whichever occurs first. Any remaining balance of the deposit will be refunded at this time. If we return any deposit, we will pay interest on it at a rate approved by Ofwat (The Water Services Regulation Authority). It may be that the deposit held is insufficient to fund ongoing Relevant Deficit payments. This could happen if the water charges revenue received from the site is lower than originally estimated. Should this happen, we will require further annual payments that equate to the Relevant Deficit.

• If you choose the Statutory Commuted Sum option, a one-off payment will be required that completely settles your financial liability for the new main. The commuted sum payment is normally significantly less than the total scheme cost.


InstallationOnce you have paid, we will meet you on site, discuss your programme of works, advise you of our requirements for on-site main laying, and agree a start date. If any changes are made to your design or layout that involves extra work, we will provide a revised quotation to include the additional installation work. Please refer to our ‘New Water Mains Terms and Conditions’ available under ‘Publications’ on our website.


Every property must have its own separate supply. It is our preference to fit external meters as they are easy to access for meter reading and maintenance. However, we do recognise that for larger developments internal meters can provide a better overall solution. The metering arrangements should be discussed with our Developer Services team at the detailed design stage to agree the final arrangements for individual schemes.

The bulk metering of supplies is not encouraged, e.g. to a large block of flats. Developers should consider in their design the benefits to prospective buyers of having a separate meter for each flat. This enables each occupier to be charged and billed independently for their water use and allows access to the services of their water provider.

ApplicationUpon request we will send you a ‘New connections application form’ which includes Regulation 5 Notification, and a ‘New connections information book’. The application will need to be completed in full and returned to Developer Services, together with a site plan of the property requiring the new supply. We reserve the right to make a design charge. Please refer to the ‘Developer, new connection and infrastructure charges’ booklet for our current charge. This booklet is available on request or under ‘Publications’ on our website.

A delay in processing the form could occur if the relevant details are not completed and the form is not signed.

After receiving your written application, we will issue an acknowledgement confirming receipt of your information. We will advise you if any information we require is missing or incomplete.


We will then arrange a site survey and issue the formal quotation.

Target response time: within 20 calendar days.

The ‘New connections application form’ and ‘New connections information book’ are available under ‘Publications’ on our website.

Pipe laid in duct, insulation required

Not less than 750mm

Sealed

3. New water service connections


Payment and inspectionFor the water connection to take place, the connection charge must be paid in full. Payment can be made by cheque, payable to Bournemouth Water. Alternatively, payment can be made by credit/debit card or BACS. Please call our Finance Department on 01202 590059 for assistance.

Once you have paid, we will require your supply pipe(s) to be laid to an agreed point, usually the street boundary, as confirmed at the time of survey or in the quotation. The pipe must be laid at a minimum depth of 750mm but no more than 1,350mm from the finished ground level, and the trench left open for our inspection. The pipe must also be ducted if it passes through or under wall footings, foundations or any solid floors. The ducts must be large enough for the service pipe to pass through and be withdrawn if necessary. Once your pipework/standpipe and inside stopcock are in place, please call our Developer Services team to arrange an inspection.


Our responsibility Your responsibility

Your supply pipeOur communication pipe

Street boundary

Stop tap/meter chamber


Installation / noticesAfter a satisfactory site inspection has been carried out on your supply pipe/trench/inside stopcock, all Water Regulations requirements have been met and consent has been granted, we will arrange for a connection to be made to the water main, terminating with a new stopcock/meter chamber in the agreed location.

If we lay pipes across privately owned or environmentally sensitive land, we may have to adhere to certain conditions and protocols which could delay the connection. If this is anticipated, we will give you as much notice as possible. You should make provision in your plans for this possibility – see our ‘Code of Practice for the Exercise of Pipelaying Powers on Private Land’.

Target response time: 15 working days, subject to Local Highway Authority approval. (They may place restrictions/conditions under Traffic Management Regulations which could extend this time.)

Please refer to our ‘New connections Terms and Conditions’ available under ‘Publications’ on our website.

Road closuresIf the road needs to be closed to carry out any connection work, under the Traffic Management Act, the Local Highway Authority will require three months’ notice of the proposed start date of the connection. This period of notice is effective from the date that all the following connection criteria are met:

• Payment of the quoted amount

• Consent from our Water Regulations Department

• Satisfactory on-site inspections of private contractors’ work – trench, point of entry, inside stopcock, etc.

If other agencies are involved e.g. Natural England, the Environment Agency or the Forestry Commission, this may have a bearing on the proposed start date which may extend the initial three-month notice period.

Target response time: 3 months, subject to Local Highway Authority approval.


Design charges for new service connections and new water mainsWe reserve the right to make a design charge.

If a design charge is applicable, it must be returned with your completed application form for:

• New build sites

• Conversions

• Industrial, commercial or other non-domestic new supplies

The design charge does not apply to:

• Applications from existing accounts to separate a shared supply into individual supplies

• A site involving the laying of new mains – an overall charge is made for the mains and service design

• Budget costs given over the phone

If the design charge applies, it will be credited to your quotation. You will not pay it if your building project goes through to construction. If your project is cancelled after you have made an application, we may keep the design charge to cover the costs of surveying, estimating and processing your application.

For new water mains, a charge is made for the design, estimation and administration for a new development scheme. This charge is made because many schemes, for which we incur design costs, do not progress to construction. This charge only becomes due if a mainlaying quotation is not accepted and paid within 60 days of the quotation date. After this period, a revised quotation may be required and no previously incurred design charges will be refunded or cancelled.

All agreements are subject to the Terms and Conditions provided with our quotations.

Please see our current ‘Water charges’ booklet, Part 6 – Developers’ charges, for details of these charges. This booklet is available on request or under ‘Publications’ on our website.


Radiators fitted with thermostatically controlled valves on flow pipes and lockshield manual valves on return pipework

Drain off point

Supply to domestic hot and cold water supplies

condensing combination boiler

Integrated service control valves

Pressure relief valve to external discharge

Condensate drain external discharge

Manually operated mains water control valve

Water service supply pipeDrain off point

Drain off point

W.C.

Wash basin

Instantaneous electric showerAppliance

pointKitchen sink

Filling loop(to be removed after

commissioning)

Pipework to domestic services

Drain off point


The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations set requirements for the design, installation and maintenance of plumbing systems, water fittings and appliances that use water. They also prevent the waste, misuse, undue consumption, contamination and erroneous measurement of water.

These Regulations apply in all types of premises to:

• Plumbing systems, water fittings and appliances that are or will be connected to the water supply

• Underground pipework, including the service pipe connecting premises to our water main

Please call our Water Regulations Department on 01202 597109 for guidance or advice on the Regulations.

Getting Water Regulations Department consentOur Water Regulations Department grants consent for new connections. They must receive the following items from you:

• Regulation 5 Notification completed and signed – this is part of the ‘New connections application form’ and will automatically be passed to them

• A schematic diagram of the hot and cold pipework layouts

• A schedule of the water fittings and materials to be installed

• An assessment of site conditions in relation to contamination

Our Water Regulations Department will write to you once they have received this information. They will either grant consent or let you know if anything does not meet the requirements.

4. The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations


to discharge

stop

Whole-site protectionRequirements exist for all new, non-domestic supplies to be fitted with suitable backflow protection. In line with the recommendations of the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme guidance note 9-04-05, we require all new, non-domestic supplies to have whole-site backflow protection to a fluid category 3. This should be installed by the developer/applicant at the boundary of the premises or at the first available above-ground location (subject to our agreement) and be accessible for inspection and servicing. The backflow protection should be a double-check valve or other no-less-effective device. This must be tagged with the date of installation and replaced every five years. Installations will be inspected prior to any final connection to the mains network.

Approved contractorsWe support WaterSafe – the umbrella organisation that brings together qualified contractors employed by plumbing businesses from the seven existing Approved Contractors’ Schemes across the UK – www.watersafe.org.uk

Plumbers registered with these schemes will:

• Have demonstrated their experience of plumbing work and knowledge of the Regulations

• Certify that any installation or maintenance work satisfies the Regulations

• Be legally responsible for any breaches of the Regulations in the certified work (rather than the owner or occupier)

• Have liability insurance cover

In addition, approved contractors can carry out certain categories of work before giving notification, provided they certify that the work complies with the Regulations on completion.


Drain off point

W.C.

Wash basin

electric showerAppliance pointKitchen sink

Pipework to domestic services

Drain off point

5. Developers’ self-lay of water mains and services

As a developer, you can choose whether to requisition water mains and service connections from us or employ an accredited Self-Lay Organisation (SLO) to carry out this work. This is allowed under the Water Industry Act 1991 as amended by the Water Act 2003.

Laying new water mains has traditionally been carried out by water companies. We are legally responsible for the water mains for their whole lifetime, whether or not they are laid by us. We have many years’ experience in meeting the regulatory requirements and have developed high levels of expertise in laying and maintaining water mains.

Our ‘Self-lay mains and services policy’ is available on request or under ‘Publications’ on our website.


Ends of duct to be sealed

Stop Tap

6. Disputes concerning new connection and infrastructure charges

If you have any queries concerning new connection or infrastructure charges, please contact our Developer Services team in the first instance. We will review and explain the charges and try to resolve any differences directly with you.

If the matter cannot be resolved, you can ask Ofwat to investigate. Ofwat’s decision on the matter will be final and binding on both parties.

Ofwat, Centre City Tower, 7 Hill Street, Birmingham B5 4UA

Tel: 0121 644 7500

www.ofwat.gov.uk

Not less than 750mm

Any distance

Suspended floor

Salisbury District Council

Bournemouth Borough Council

East Dorset District Council

New Forest District Council

PooleBoroughCouncil

ChristchurchBorough

Council

Test Valley Borough Council

SturminsterMarshall

Wimborne

Longham

Ringwood

Broadstone

TarrantMonkton

Crichel

TollardRoyal

ChaseFarm

Cranborne

BroadChalk

Verwood

OdstockBodenham

Standlynch

Whiteparish

Woodgreen

BOURNEMOUTH

POOLE

BLANDFORD

SALISBURY

THE SOLENT

Fordingbridge

Bransgore

Christchurch

Ibsley

Matchams

Burley

Sway

New MiltonLymington

BrockenhurstBeaulieu

Lyndhurst

THE NEWFOREST

SOUTHERN WATER SEWERAGE AREA

WESSEX WATER SEWERAGE AREA

RIVERALLEN

RIVERSTOUR

RIVERCRANE

RIVER AVON

LYMINGTONRIVER

BEAULIEURIVER

Sembcorp Bournemouth Water supply area

Rivers/waterways

Sewerage boundary line

Local Authority boundary line

Developer Services, Bournemouth Water, Francis Avenue, Bournemouth BH11 8NX

Tel: 01202 590059 Fax: 01202 597031 Email: [email protected]

www.bournemouthwater.co.uk

Bournemouth Water area of supply

developers’ charter · developers’ charter – page 3 2. new water mains ends of duct to be...

Documents