A vital new blueprint is being put together for builders and developers to protect Scotland’s sewer network.

An important manual which lays out the acceptable design and construction standards for Scotland’s public sewer network is being updated to include modern, environmentally-friendly drainage systems.

Now the Scottish public is being asked for its views on the issue, as part of a three month consultation exercise.

Legislation has already seen the term “sewer” redefined to include Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), which ease pressure on the environment.

The new guidelines, included in the technical “Sewers for Scotland” manual, will make it absolutely clear to developers – and their consultants - what construction standards they have to follow to ensure their sewers become part of the public network.

SUDS are an increasingly important part of Scotland’s drainage infrastructure. They work in a variety of ways to collect rainwater, which goes through basic treatment before being safely returned to the environment. Scottish Water will become legally responsible for the future maintenance of shared public SUDS.

The standards outlined in the new SUDS section of the manual are the result of international research and were produced with input from the UKs leading experts in the design of SUDS.

Scottish Water has also worked closely with water companies in England and Wales to make sure the standards are as close as possible to the guidelines in place south of the border.

The Scottish Water consultation will run in conjunction with a closely linked Scottish Executive consultation – Water, Sewerage and Drainage Infrastructure: Construction Standards and Vesting Conditions, which will define the role of SUDS in Scotland.