CONNECT TO THE MAINS
A GUIDE TO PROTECTING WINDERMERE
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INTRODUCTION
Save Windermere has long advocated for addressing the water quality challenges posed by non-mains sewerage systems around Windermere. Current proposed solutions focus on merely mitigating these impacts without tackling the root cause.
Private non-mains systems are unable to sufficiently remove nutrients to a level that would protect Windermere’s water quality. Even the best available options are costly, difficult to maintain and operate, and do not provide a long-term solution to pollution in the watercourses.
The most effective and sustainable way to safeguard the local environment is for properties with non-mains systems to connect to United Utilities’ (UU) sewer network.
WHY CONNECT TO THE MAINS?
Due to limitations in private treatment systems, connecting to the mains offers a variety of benefits.
Cost Savings
Connecting to the mains reduces long-term costs, as maintenance and repairs are no longer required.
Sustainable Development
Enables infrastructure growth without straining local resources.
Financial Responsibility
Under Section 101A, the majority of connection costs are typically covered by the water company.
No Maintenance
Eliminates the need for private upkeep or inspections.
Prevents Pollution
Eliminates the risk of system failures and subsequent pollution to local waterways.
Avoids Fines
Eliminates the risk of penalties from system failures.
The First-Time Sewerage Scheme
SECTION 101A OF THE WATER INDUSTRY ACT 1991
What is Section 101A?
Section 101A of the Water Industry Act 1991 gives property owners the right to request a connection to the public sewer system if an existing private sewerage system, serving two or more premises or a locality, is causing or is likely to cause environmental or amenity issues.
This process requires the water company to assess options, comparing costs and benefits of both public and private solutions, to identify the best approach.
If accepted, the company has to pay for a brand new sewer to at least the curtilage of the properties requesting connection.
To qualify for a mains sewer connection under Section 101A, your property’s system should meet one or more of these criteria:
DO YOU MEET THE CRITERIA?
Risk to Water Sources
Does sewage from your system potentially reach surface or groundwater sources used for public or private water supplies?
Pollution and Nuisance
Is there a current or potential risk of environmental damage, health hazards, or nuisance caused by sewage (e.g., visible pollution, fungal growth, solids) impacting nearby water or land? Such pollution may harm the environment, reduce local amenity value, create odour issues, or disrupt aquatic life.
Excessive Sewage Load
Is the density of properties producing sewage in the locality causing local soil or waterways to become overloaded and leading to issues like ponding, sewage flooding, pollution or nuisance?
Properties with fluctuating populations (like cafés, lodges, hotels) may experience issues with private bacterial treatment systems becoming ineffective or overwhelmed, unlike the chemical treatments offered in public systems.
STEPS IN THE SECTION 101A PROCESS
Confirm whether your property’s system is causing or likely to cause adverse environmental or amenity impacts. If your system has reached the end of its life, this may be the perfect time to start this process.
Identify the Issue
Submit a Request
Water Company Assessment
Decision by Water Company
Dispute Resolution
Fill out and submit the United Utilities application form to initiate the process.
United Utilities will assess both public and private solutions, comparing costs and environmental benefits to find the best option.
The water company will decide on the most suitable solution based on the assessment.
If there is a disagreement, or you are unhappy with how United Utilities has undertaken the process, the Environment Agency acts as an impartial mediator.
HOW TO APPLY
1. Complete the United Utilities Form
Begin the process by submitting a formal application for Section 101A assessment.
2. Evidence Not Required
You do not need to provide evidence of pollution from your system. However, if you already have a record of issues relating to your system, this could serve as valuable evidence of potential or current environmental/amenity impacts. This includes any maintenance records you may have.
HOW SAVE WINDERMERE CAN HELP
Save Windermere has compiled over a year’s worth of research into this simple guide to help you understand the Section 101A process. Save Windermere has been advocating for this approach for several years as we believe this process has not been sufficiently publicised, despite its potential to provide a lasting solution to pollution whilst supporting sustainable economic growth.
Connection to the mains is the most sustainable long-term solution for non-mains drainage in Windermere. Consolidating these sites in the catchment into locations that are easier to maintain and operate with appropriate technology is the first-step towards our long-term strategy – complete removal of sewage pollution from the lake.
We are here to offer advice to those considering connecting to the mains and to campaign and advocate for its adoption as the best solution to address the impact of non-main drains on Windermere’s ecology.
Save Windermere is a not-for-profit organisation, campaigning to end sewage pollution in the Windermere catchment in the Lake District National Park. Ending sewage pollution will ensure the long-term protection of England’s most iconic lake, now and forever.
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