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Water main diversion

If you need to move, change, or remove one of our water mains, you’ll need to apply for a water main diversion (Section W185). We’ll guide you through the process, so you know what to expect.

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What would I need to divert a water main?

If a water main runs through land where you’re planning a development — such as a new building, extension, or road — you may need to divert it. In some cases, you might want to remove an abandoned section of pipe. Whatever the situation, we’ll assess your proposal and advise on the best design options. 

Unlike sewer diversions, developers can’t carry out water main diversions themselves because of the risks involved in protecting water quality and maintaining supply for our customers. You will need to apply online, and we’ll manage the diversion from start to finish to make sure everything is safe and meets water quality standards. 

GetConnected portal

Our GetConnected portal lets you submit applications, track their progress, make payments, and manage your projects all in one place.

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Applying for a water main diversion

Below you'll find specific documents and guidance to help you through the application process. We'll be in touch every step of the way to make sure everything runs smoothly. Before you apply, you’ll need:   

  •   A short explanation of why you need the water main diverted, including which main(s) are affected. 
  • A site location plan (PDF) showing your boundary, site layout, nearby roads and landmarks, and any preferred connection points. 
  • AutoCAD drawings of your proposed development (DWG and PDF), under 20MB and using correct OS grid coordinates. 
  • Site-specific RAMS for the construction work, including any temporary or permanent loading over our water mains.
  • Cross-sections showing existing and proposed ground levels, and the depth of the existing main (if known). 
1

Apply online

Start your application via our GetConnected portal and pay the application fee. We’ll confirm within five working days that we have all your documents or let you know if we need more details. 

Apply online
2

We'll do a site survey

We’ll carry out a site survey and determine whether a diversion is needed and whether it’s complex or simple.  

3

Design and quote

If the diversion is simple, we’ll provide a design and quote within 42 days. If it’s complex, you’ll need to pay a design fee so we can create a more detailed design. Detailed designs and quotes for complex projects will be provided an agreed time.   

4

Review and accept quote

Review your quote and pay any outstanding fees. If the diversion is complex, your project will go into optioneering design. You will pay a design fee, and a Project Manager will be assigned. They will now be your main point of contact.  

5

Pre-start meeting

We’ll arrange a meeting at your site to review the design with you and confirm the start date and schedule for the work. 

6

We'll carry out he diversion

Once dates are agreed, we’ll schedule and begin the diversion within 90 days. If anything changes on site that could affect the schedule, please let us know straight away. 

7

Complete your works

We’ll issue conditional approval for the construction work on your development. Share this with your contractors so they know what’s required. Once your site works are complete, we’ll arrange a final inspection. 

8

Final inspection and connection

We’ll carry out the inspection and complete the connection, so your diversion is fully signed off. 

Documents and guides

Stand-Off Distances to underground apparatus

Download

New Connection Charging Arrangements 2025-26

Download

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Get in touch

If you need help choosing which application to make, filling it out, or have any other questions, our team are happy to help.

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Request a call back

If you need help deciding which application to make or how to fill it out, or if you have any other questions, you can ask our team to call you back.

Request a call back
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Submit a query

We’re here to help if you need us. Please fill in the form with as much information as possible to assist us with your enquiry.

Submit a query
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Contact the Developer Services team

If you need help deciding which application to make or how to fill it out, or if you have any other questions, call us Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4pm.

Call: 0330 303 0119