The Homebuilders Federation (HBF)and Water UK , the body which represents all the UK water companies, have agreed best practice principles for the design of on-site water mains constructed specifically for the purpose of new water connections to new build premises.
The aim is to provide an agreed set of high level principles for water companies, developers and their associated constructors to follow.
On the point of connection, the principles say that a proposed point of connection(s) to the existing water network should be identified and agreed by the incumbent water company before design work can commence.
The whole life cost of the main should also be considered including construction, operation, maintenance, repair and eventual decommissioning of the main.
With regard to the routing and positioning of the main, the overriding principle is that where ever practical, water mains should be laid to allow each individual connection to be taken at a 90 degree angle from the main towards the premises to be connected.
Where practical, the principles say the the on-site main should follow the route of the planned footpaths and carriageways and should be installed in the footpath where possible.
Click here to read the principles in full.
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