27 February 2007
New rules from the government which state that private sewer systems will now be owned and maintained by the major water suppliers have been welcomed by the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater), provided that costs don't rise as a result.
Dame Yve Buckland, Chair of the CCWater, said that she thought the move was a positive step but took the opportunity to remind water regulator Ofwat that it had a duty to keep a close eye on the bills being charged to consumers.
The cost of transferring the private sewers to the main utility suppliers will be covered in an sewerage bill rise, with preliminary estimates showing a range of between £3 and £11 on each customer's annual bill.
"We support the clarity and reassurance that the government's decision gives to householders with private sewers. However, all water consumers will foot the bill and will want to know the exact cost of transferring private sewers into water companies' hands," said Dame Buckland.
"Once these issues are clear and understood, consumers will welcome the fact that householders will no longer face the unpleasant surprise of being responsible for sewers that lie outside the public network," she continued.
Dame Buckland added that the decision would also help companies to tackle sewer flooding by making it easier to identify and repair private sewers with blockages or faults.
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