After the publication of OFWAT guidelines and The Competition Act 1998, the market for the provision of water mains and services was opened to competition. Now a new Code of Practice will help developers and contractors lay water mains themselves.

The code addresses self-lay organisations, application and submission of relevant information to the water company, and transfer of ownership. It also sets out technical guidance for the design and construction of water mains, together with the specification of products (aligned with the Civil Engineering Specification for the Water Industry, 6th Edition).

The code applies throughout England and Wales and will be used by OFWAT in any disputes relating to the self-laying of water mains.

Ray Farrow of the House Builders Federation said: “The water industry should be complimented on bringing together all the areas of water mains and services into a standard guide that will enable people to undertake their work on a level playing field.”

The Code is supported by a website (www.wrcplc.co.uk/selflay) where water utilities will post their Company Specific Addendums.

Source

Construction Manager

Postscript

The ‘Code of Practice for the Self-laying of Water Mains and Services - England and Wales’ and ‘Water for Scotland’ are published by WRc plc, price £30 + VAT, visit www.webookshop.com or call 01793 665138/865069