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The pipes that carry waste and surface water from one or more houses are referred to as drains. When one drain meets another, it becomes a sewer. Drains are not the gullies or grids that can be found in the road to take water off the highway.
When a drain becomes blocked, waste may not go away when you flush the toilet and the gullies outside may overflow. There could also be a smell.
Southern Water looks after the network of public sewers in Hastings Borough Council. If you live in Hastings and St Leonards and have a sewer problem contact Southern water.
For help and advice on highway drainage, land drainage or private drainage, please contact us.
To determine who has responsibility for a drain or sewer, the following applies:
If the property is built before 1 October 1937, and so long as there are two or more properties connected to the length of drain/sewer affected, it is the responsibility of Southern Water.
For properties built after 1 October 1937, all drains/sewers are the responsibility of the owner/occupiers and any other properties connected to it, unless it is the main sewer. It is the responsibility of the owner-occupier to maintain and clear a private drain/sewer. In a terrace of houses, this could mean shared responsibility.
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Hastings Borough Council has a statutory duty in the interests of public health to ensure that blocked/foul smelling private drains are cleared and, where appropriate, to recharge the householders for this service. Any recharge is apportioned equally to all households feeding into the sewer up to the point that it is blocked and follows the serving of a notice.
The Council also has legal powers to ensure that any broken or collapsed drains and private sewers are exposed, examined (including CCTV surveys) and repairs.
Private ownership responsibilities for a drain or private sewer extends right up to the point they connect with the public sewer, even when this is in the Highway.
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These leaflets explain the role of Hastings Borough Council in dealing with blocked private sewers and an explanation of Domestic Dual Drainage Systems.
You may find it useful to read our Help before downloading information.
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Hastings Borough Council is responsible for monitoring the quality both microbiologically (bacteria) and chemically (eg. pesticides) for people who extract their private water supply from boreholes. The relevant standards are prescribed under The Water Industry Act 1991 and The Private Water Supplies Regulations 1991 which states how often the water must be tested, depending on its use.
Hastings Borough Council is responsible for monitoring swimming pools in the district to which members of the public have access. These include leisure centres, private health clubs, hotels and outdoor pools, hospital hydrotherapy pools, Jacuzzis and paddling pools. These facilities are tested on a regular basis for chemical levels as well as microbiological quality (bacteria). If there is a health complaint or a problem with the chemical tests, the frequency will be increased as part of an investigation.
Hastings Borough Council examines the quality of mains water supplied to our food and drink manufacturers. We may occasionally become involved in the testing of domestic mains water in addition to Southern Water who are required by law to notify the Council immediately mains water quality falls below permitted standards or supplies are interrupted. The Drinking Water Inspectorate produces a guide entitled 'How Good is our Drinking Water' which provides general information. The Drinking Water Inspectorate also consults with the Council and local Health Authority when investigations take place into mains drinking water quality supplied locally.
If you have a problem with your water supply you should contact your water company who will be listed under Water in the telephone directory. If you are unhappy with the water company's response you should contact your local Consumer Council for Water or contact us.
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The Annual Drinking Water Report for the Southern region is available to download from the Drinking Water Inspectorate website. The Report covers testing and results, consumer perceptions of drinking water, incidents and technical audit activity, feedback from consultation of local authories and health professionals and a summary of current and future research work.
You can also read the Water Company Data Summary Tables for individual Water companies. Hastings is served by Southern Water (telephone 0845 278 0845).
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Please contact us for further advice or information on any matter relating to Environmental Protection.
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This page last updated: 29/07/2008