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| New Supplies > FAQs |
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What is and where can I get Trace Wire?
Trace Wire is attached to the mains water service pipe by means of cable ties at intervals of not less than 1 metre. The purpose of Trace Wire is to enable the location of the service pipe in the future. The wire must be 1.5mm single strand BLUE plastic coated to 6491 standard and installed on ALL installations. You can find their details of suppliers in the useful address Section of this Web Site.
How deep must my trench be?
All pipes must be laid in a trench between 750mm ( 2ft 6in) and 1350mm (4ft 6in) deep. They must then enter the property and remain at that depth for a minimum of 750mm (2ft 6in) from the face of the wall, before rising to an internal stoptap.
Can I share my trench with other utilities?
Yes, but the water pipe must be at the bottom of the trench, at a depth of 750mm. You must then backfill the trench up to 18" from road level. The other services can then go in the trench but not directly above the water pipe. It is always advisable to check with other utilities with regards to their regulations and requirements.
When must I use barrier Pipe?
If the development area could have been / is currently built upon the standard material for water mains and services (polyethylene or PE pipework) can be adversely affected by several elements that could have been stored/spilt within the development area. You must therefore use alternative pipework materials, such as sleeved ductile iron, Protectaline PE or PVC wrapped table Y copper for the underground section of the customers' service pipes, unless you can provide us with a chemical analysis report for the site which will allow us to determine that there are no elements within the soil which are detrimental to PE pipework.
How do I complete my Application Form?
Please see the Application Form section of this Web Site, it contains guidelines on how to complete our all of Application Forms. If however you still need assistance contact us in any of the ways offered in our Contact Us section.
Will I qualify for the Free Lead Pipe Replacement scheme?
This depends on individual circumstances. In all cases you pay for the cost of buying and installing a replacement for your pipe in accordance with our standards. You may wish to get some quotes from plumbers for the work. If ours is already a plastic pipe, you pay for connecting to our pipe, and maybe for replacing a stop tap box. If our pipe is made of lead or iron, and you lay your pipe to the correct point, we pay for the cost of replacing our pipe from the main to where it joins your pipe, for a new stop tap box (if required), for connecting the pipe to the main and for our inspections. Our charging policy is explained in more detail in the Lead Replacement section of this Web Site.
Why do I have to have a water meter on my new supply?
All new properties must have a water meter fitted as this is our policy since the only other method of charging for water is by rateable value set by the council. Although new properties are given a Council Tax banding they are not given a rateable value, so we are not able to calculate water charges. This also applies to properties that are converted into more parts, for example one house converted into several flats, as the rateable value of this property would then be incorrect.
I share my water supply with my neighbour, what can I do about that?
It is estimated that, of over 400,000 properties in the Bristol Water area, up to 20% are supplied by shared service pipes. These pipes were normally laid partly in private land and gardens and are the responsibility of the customers. Shared supplies can sometimes cause problems with water pressure and quality which may be improved by supply separation. If you decide you would like to separate your supply, you will need to complete an Application For Supply Form. We will then visit you to ascertain the work needed and calculate any costs involved. It is then up to you to decide if you want to go ahead with the work.
Will you need to inspect my trench?
Not normally. As long as you bring your new pipe to the point marked by our Technical Liaison Officer, at the correct depth we do not normally need to inspect. We will however inspect any work that we feel needs to be checked, at our discretion. You will be informed of this requirement if it is necessary.
I am converting my property into flats, do I need to have a separate supply to each flat?
In accordance with the terms of the Water Industry Act 1991, Bristol Water requires that all separately occupied premises or those which are designed for, or are capable of separate occupation, be supplied by means of a separate service pipes, with separate meter arrangements. Properties that are converted into flats, flats that are split to create more flats, barn conversions, commercial units that are split to make more commercial units, are all required to have separate service pipes.
Why are your connection and infrastructure charges so high?
Bristol Water’s charges scheme for these items is prepared according to the guidelines overseen by the independent regulator OFWAT and is approved by them. We only charge for the work we actually do.
What is the Infrastructure Charge?
The Infrastructure Charge is a charge made by all water companies in the country, and is to cover some of the extra demand that each new supply places on our water distribution system. The charge is a contribution to the cost of providing the infrastructure of pipes, pumping stations and treatment works necessary for the provision of water services.
Why do I pay an Infrastructure Charge to both you and Wessex Water?
In addition to our Infrastructure Charge for water supply, if your development drains, either directly or indirectly, to a public sewer you will also be required to pay a Sewerage Infrastructure Charge direct to Wessex Water Services Ltd. An invoice for these charges will be sent to you by Wessex Water Services Ltd when the charge is due. If you have any queries about the invoice you receive from Wessex Water Services Ltd please contact them on 01225 526222. Both charges must be paid in all cases.
Where can I hire a Standpipe?
The only legal standpipes for use in our area are supplied by Reflex Plant. Use of any other standpipe in our area is a criminal offence and we will prosecute you and seek damages where appropriate.
Who obtains easements if I have to cross third party land to reach my connection point?
If you have to bring your pipe across someone else’s land to reach the agreed connection point it is your responsibility to obtain easement to do this.
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