Public and private sewers
A public sewer is a sewer built before 1937 (with some exceptions) or after 1937 and adopted by the water undertaker. A private sewer is a sewer built after 1937 that joins drains from two or more properties together.
Both private and public sewers are the responsibility of the water undertaker, which for most of our area is United Utilities. They oversee the maintenance and repair of public and private sewers as well as sewers on new developments (subject to adoption agreements under S104 of the Water Industry Act 1991 and Capital Investment Projects).
Visit the United Utilities website to report a problem, such as sewer flooding, or to check if a sewer built after 1937 has been adopted by them.
Some public sewers are found within the boundary of private properties. This can have planning implications if proposed development is close to a public sewer.
Alston, Nenthead and Garrigill
Public and private sewers in Alston, Nenthead and Garrigill are the responsibility of Northumbria Water Limited.
Go to the Northumbrian Water website to report a problem and for contact details.