Responsibility for Sewerage Pipes

The pipework which makes up the sewerage system can be categorised in three ways:

• Public sewers – Northern Ireland Water owns, operates and is responsible for maintaining a network of over 13,000 kilometres of public sewers which are designed to take away waste and rain water to our wastewater treatment works.

• Drains - a drain is a pipe which carries waste water (from sinks, baths and toilets) and trade waste from one property to a sewer.  Responsibility for the drain within the boundary of the property lies with the owner of the property.

• Private sewers - a private sewer is a pipe which collects and carriers waste and waste water from several properties.  A private sewer may connect to a public sewer or private wastewater treatment works.  Responsibility for a private sewer lies jointly with the owners of the properties which it serves.

Maps of our public sewers
By law we have a duty to keep maps which show the location and particulars of public sewers. You can inspect these maps free of charge at your regional Northern Ireland Water Office. To find out which office serves your area and to make an appointment to view the maps, please contact Waterline 08457 004488.

 

 

 

 

Contact Information
Waterline 0845 744 0088
(Lines open 24 hours 7 days
a week)
Contact us to inspect maps of sewers free of charge at your regional Northern Ireland Water Office.