What’s happening and why?
From October 1, 2011 property owners will no longer be responsible for certain sewer pipes that connect their homes to public sewers. New legislation will transfer responsibility for these pipes, called private sewers and lateral drains, to Southern Water. Property owners are often unaware that they are responsible for these pipes until they face a repair bill, causing confusion and leading to disputes between neighbours. The Government wants clear ownership and better long-term maintenance for the sewer network.

Does this benefit customers?
Yes. The private sewer transfer will bring peace of mind on maintenance for these sections of pipe, and clarity on ownership. Property owners do not need to do anything, as the transfer will happen automatically on October 1.

What exactly is changing?
Currently, property owners are responsible for private sewers and lateral drains, which are the sections of sewer pipe or drain which are shared with another person’s property, or run through another person’s land. After the private sewer transfer there will only be public sewers (owned and maintained by the sewerage companies) and private drains (the responsibility of property owners).

Our guide to the changes
We have created a film which explains the changes and the background to them, and animations which show the changes for each of the main property types. Please note that these animations are based on the latest available government guidance. The final versions of these documents are expected to be published shortly. 

Sewer transfer film	Flats and apartments	Terraced properties	Semi-detached properties	Detached properties

Is there anything that is not transferring?
Yes. Privately-owned septic tanks and cesspits and their connecting pipework, large multi-occupier commercial sites, and sewers that carry water directly to a watercourse will not transfer. Private pumping stations will not be transferred immediately, but will transfer by October 2016. This will give sewerage companies time to find and survey all these stations, and to work out what works are required to enable them to be adopted.