If you're planning significant work near our assets, it's important that you take precautions to minimise any risk of damage. We need to be sure that any activities taking place near our assets do not interfere with the service we provide to our existing customers.

See our factsheet General conditions and precautions to be taken when carrying out work adjacent to United Utilities water distribution apparatus (PDF 46KB opens in new window).

These conditions and precautions apply to the public sewerage, water distribution and telemetry systems. Please be aware that causing damage to our water mains or sewers is an offence under Section 174 of the Water Industry Act.

If you need to carry out any investigation or CCTV survey work on the public sewer system where it is less than 7m in depth, with a straight vertical access, and is non-man entry, it will be classified as a low risk activity.

All of United Utilities’ sewers come under the ‘Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations’ (DSEAR) and are classed as zone 2. As a result, all CCTV survey equipment that is used within the sewers needs to be intrinsically safe (Ex rated), so it does not ignite in a potentially explosive atmosphere.

All United Utilities’ sewers are classified as confined spaces from the point of entry, so personnel working in the public sewer network must hold current confined space training certificates.

All work within any United Utilities’ sewer network is to be carried out between 08:00 – 16:00 hours on normal working days.

Operational issues

In the event that the camera unit becomes stuck, snagged or irretrievable, do not enter the public sewer network, you must call 0345 3723223 to report the problem. We will arrange for a United Utilities operative to attend site to assess the situation.

High risk entry covers any investigation or CCTV survey work on a United Utilities’ sewer that has:

• A manhole greater than 3m in depth, with a multiple stage landing or non-standard entry
• Is greater than 7m in depth 
• Requires a traverse within the sewer.

Before you can carry out any work on a high risk sewer network you will need to obtain an approval notice, to apply for this you will need to complete a Request for Permission to Work on a Public Sewer (CCTV/Investigation High Risk) Form (PDF 284KB opens in a new window). Please note it can take up to 10 working days for the request to be authorised so please allow for this in your plans.

Before starting work each day, you must log-on to the sewer network by calling 07826 539459 and provide a valid connection reference number (this will be on the approval notice), together with the contact details for staff that will be working on the site. When you've finished working on the sewer you must log-off by calling the same number.

All work within any United Utilities sewer network is to be carried out between 08:00 – 16:00 hours on normal working days.