Information on self-lay providers
As an alternative to having new mains and service connections installed by us, developers can arrange for the work to be carried out by qualified contractors.
Codes for Adoption are now available for Self Lay (please see dropdown below for more details). This is for when a Developer appoints an independent Self-Lay Provider (known as SLP) to undertake the contestable work of designing and/or installing water mains and services on a new development site. It details processes, requirements for the work and specifies the role of SLP's and Water Companies. Additionally you can find guidance from Ofwat on Self Lay here.
The work must be carried out by a company that is accredited with the Water Industry Registration Scheme (WIRS)
As an alternative to having new mains and service connections installed by a Self Lay Provider, developers can arrange for the work to be carried out by us.
Traditionally water companies have installed all mains and connected up all service pipes. While developers can still choose to requisition mains and service connections from us, they can also employ a Self-Lay Provider (SLP) to design, lay and connect mains and services. Upon completion of the work, we will then normally adopt the mains and/or services that have been installed by the SLP from the developer. Once the installations are adopted the developer takes on no additional ongoing responsibility than if the work had been requisitioned.
Benefits of Self-Lay
Developers can find self-lay beneficial because:
- They may be able to employ a single contractor to install the water, gas and electricity infrastructure;
- It may work out cheaper to Self-Lay than requisition; and
- Self-Lay Providers (SLPs) may be able to offer more bespoke service and greater flexibility in relation to the timing of the required works.