Customers have a choice as to who designs and constructs new water mains and communication pipes for their properties. One of the options is to employ an accredited self-lay provider (SLP).
The new assets that the SLP constructs are ultimately adopted by us under the terms of a legal agreement entered into by all relevant parties in advance of construction. We become the owner of the new assets and are responsible for their operation and maintenance on adoption.
SLPs are required to hold accreditation under the Water Industry Registration Scheme (WIRS) to be able to carry out the relevant work. This scheme is operated by LRQA and a full list of accredited SLPs are available by following links on the LRQA website.
Our forms and guidance documents relating to self-lay are included below.
Codes for adoption
A new Water Code for Adoption was implemented on 1 January 2021. Its aim is to standardise self lay practice for water companies and SLPs who operate in England, where possible. Further details on the Code are available on Water UK’s website. The site includes amongst other things, guidance, process and procedure information, the standard adoption agreement and information on levels of service.
In accordance with the Code, we have published our Design and Construction Specification (DCS), Annual Contestability Summary (ACS), Redress Procedures and provided information on how to contact us.
For guidance on our SLP application process please see our Infographic link below for a step-by-step guide of our SLP application and construction process.