Water connection
If you require a new connection or replacement of an existing supply, you will need to apply for a water connection application.
Before you apply
There are a few things that you need to know to ensure that water connection application is the right option for you.
What is a water connection, and when do I need one?
A water connection is how we connect your property or site to our water mains.
Reasons when you may need a new water connection:
- Building a new house or building
- When you are renovating, changing the use of property, or building an extension
- When you are building new commercial premises
- When you are converting a building into many flats
- If you are building a property in a new location and need to connect to our network
- When you are installing an agricultural trough
- When you need a temporary water supply
- Upgrading/replacing your existing supply to increase the flow due to increased demand.
- If you are looking to split into or from a shared supply within commercial unit
- If you need fire supplies
- Relocating meters or supply pipes
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I want to upgrade my existing supply?
I'd like a disconnection, is a water connection the right application?
My existing supply is a lead pipe does it need replacing?
How can I request a fire supply?
Where is my nearest water main?
I don't have a planning permission is it too early for me to apply for a water connection?
What are the most common reasons for a delay in water connection?
Please use our calculator for an indicative cost for connecting your property or site to an existing Southern Water main.
Making an application
Getting you connected
Watch our video explaining how the water connection process works.
Step 1 - You apply online and pay your application fee
Fill in our online application form using our GetConnected portal. You will need to pay an application fee. We will then review and acknowledge your submitted application within 5 days.
When making your application, please make sure you have the following information handy:
- A site plan clearly showing your requested point of connection
- An application fee of £85.96 (incl. 20% VAT) for your first connection and £52.48 (incl. 20% VAT) for additional subsequent connections
- Soil sample for any contaminated land
- Location plan (to give us a reference point to GIS)
Frequently asked questions
When do I need to submit a soil analysis report?
I would like to apply for the Target 100 scheme, what do I need to include with my application?
How do I set up an account in GetConnected portal?
How can I track my application progress in GetConnected?
Step 2 – We’ll provide your Quote
In order to produce a quote for the construction costs at your project, we may need to carry out a site survey to identify where your water connection will be made. Our water design contractor Clancy Docwra may visit your site to carry out the survey.
It is important that any specific access arrangements to your site are made known to us during your application to avoid any delays.
Within 28 days we’ll send your quote, this will include:
- Quote document, including full cost breakdown including traffic management (if applicable), excavation and reinstatement
- A photo showing the point of connection (if applicable)
- References to relevant technical guidance for pipework installation (if applicable)
Our quotes are valid up to the end of the financial year (31st March), for quotes made in Feb/Mar we give a 2-month extension. If the quote expires or there is any change to the way you want to lay your pipes or connect into our network, then you’ll need to ask for a requote for your site.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to meet with the surveyor for the site survey?
What does my quote document mean?
Step 3 – You accept and Pay for the works
You review the quote, accept, and pay for the construction works to proceed with the project.
Alternatively, you can decide to opt for working with Self-lay providers instead.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I have to pay sewerage infrastructure charges?
Why do I have to pay an application fee?
How can I pay Southern Water fees?
How long is my quote valid for?
Step 4 – We grant water regulation consent
When accepting your quote, we may ask you to fill in water fittings information which we will review and grant you a water regulations consent. This typically takes 10 days. For high-risk projects we also may need to carry out an inspection.
Frequently asked questions
How do I fill in Water Fittings questionnaire?
Step 5 - You lay your private supply pipe
After you’ve accepted the quote, paid for the water connection, and filled in your water regulations questionnaire (if applicable), you will need to arrange a qualified plumber/contractor to lay the private supply pipe from your property. You can find approved plumbers in your area by entering your postcode on the Watersafe website.
Alternatively, you can do it yourselves following instructions and requirements from our guidance below. Please download this guide and share it with your plumber/developer, who will be carrying out pipework for your project.
Frequently asked questions
When do I need to provide a chlorination certificate?
Can I connect new supply pipes onto an existing communication pipe?
Who can carry out the connection to the water main?
What if I need to install an agricultural trough?
How can I get temporary building supplies (TBS)?
Can I supply my own meter carriers?
What if I need large size connection?
Can I re-use an old redundant pipe?
Step 6 – You Book your site inspection
When your private supply pipe is laid, you will need to request your site inspection before we complete a water connection to the main supply. Please allow 2 days for us to process your booking. If your property or site is new, you must provide your postal information using GetConnected portal, before we can progress with the water connection works.
Understand what happens during the inspection
Frequently asked questions
What is a site inspection checklist and why do I need to complete it?
Step 7 – We complete your water connection and install the meter
Once your private supply pipe has passed the site inspection your new connection will usually be completed within 21 days. If a road closure, or private land entry is required then the connection may take up to 3 months, which will be stated in your quotation if it applicable to your project.
Following the connection, your new supply will be left live with a meter installed. From this point on you will be responsible for the bill.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the average water connection take?
What is traffic management and why do I need it?
Is there anything I need to do on the day of the connection?
Step 8 – We set up your billing account
Your new water supply is now live. We will setup billing account associated with the new meter and send you monthly bills. If you will not be the occupant of the property fed by the supply, please request the occupant to register their account.
Still need help?
Please refer to our FAQ page for more articles about Water Connections.
GetConnected
Track, pay and manage your project using our new developer services portal GetConnected.
