ARE YOU GETTING READY?
The Sewerage Industry is currently absorbed by the many issues which are simultaneously under discussion. The transfer of private drain and sewers allowed for in The Water Act 2003, the Water Framework Directive, the Walker Review, the Cave Report on competition and innovation, the Pitt Report on Flooding and the Flood and Water Management Bill are all currently taking Parliamentary time. Although each of these statutory documents deal with different aspects of our industry, much time and effort is spent in ensuring that where they touch there is no conflict in wording or practice.
In respect of the Water Act provision, progress is being made on drafting the regulations which facilitate the transfer of ownership for existing private drains and sewers. The regulations will specify the detailed arrangements for the implementation of transfer and allow a period of time for both Water and Sewerage Companies and private drainage contractors to prepare for the change in responsibility for the management and repair of the sewers and drains that are subject to transfer.
The target date for implementation remains at 2011 but the consultation period for the draft regulations is still awaited and although the industry is confident that the transfer will take place this slippage may indicate a slightly later date. It is still anticipated that the transfer of networks draining to private pumping stations will be later.
The Government is keen that a new generation of private sewers and drains is not created as was the case in 1937 and to this end, as part of the implementation of transfer, the introduction of a mandatory design and build standard for the construction of drains and sewers which drain to the public sewerage network is proposed and that they be automatically adopted as public sewerage assets. The provision for this is, perversely, in the Flood and Water Bill.
It should be noted that The Flood and Water Bill will end the automatic right to connect to sewers for surface water drainage and require developers to put SUDS in place in new developments wherever practicable. Connection will be conditional on meeting new national standards on SUDS and drainage. Misconnections are also to be addressed and partnerships between authorities encouraged to radically reduce the number.
The transfer is both a threat and an opportunity to the smaller company that specialises in blockage clearance, cctv investigations and minor repairs in the domestic market and a challenge for the consultant/contractor charged with managing this element for the Water Company.
Drainage contractors working in the domestic market need to ensure that they can show competence in their field and be willing to work in co-operation with others. Experience within the market will likely need to be supported by evidence of training. Health and Safety awareness and customer relationship will likely be at the top of the requirements. Knowledge of permitted water pressures when jetting pipes of various materials, correct interpretation of pipe defects encountered and acceptable levels for repair.
The Drain Repair Book (published by WRc) instigated by the insurance industry provides a good starting point for understanding this. Despite the best efforts of both DEFRA and the Water industry the volume of work undertaken annually is unknown but is known to be considerable. There should be work available for the majority and new opportunities for those wishing to make the effort – and there will always be some private drains.
Small contractors are beginning to realise that the transfer is imminent and are very unhappy. The need to possibly work within a co-operative and to subcontract is seen as a threat to the freedom of their work programme. In reality, many already have relationships with other companies for whom they work which can act as a stepping stone. The cost of training should not be viewed as a burden, at a base level it can save lives, time and be cost effective. It can enthuse staff and reduce staff turnover, which in turn is a cost saving.
What of the consultant/contractor who is charged with managing what will be a new area of supervision? Customer service will be paramount with attendance criteria within two hours likely. The on-site cost per visit is likely to be small in relation to the type of work currently supervised but the contract large. The call centre and those managing the work need to understand the working of this sector of the industry for it to be beneficial to both parties undertaking the work.
Those of us interested in ensuring as few as possible loose their livelihood are keen to speak with the procurement departments of the major players, as we are with the Water Companies, to see how this can best be managed. At the same time, we would like to see engineers and technicians take advantage of courses such as Develop’s EM23 (Sewer Condition Classification for Engineers) and OS22 (Inspection and maintenance of private drainage systems) thereby gaining a deeper understanding of site requirements.
The National Sewerage Association, SBWWI and UKSTT are among those who are looking forward to see how the changes may affect our members and to actively work with our paymasters to see how best to produce a service amicable to both sides of the industry. The Drain Forum, under the chairmanship of SBWWI, has been formed to continue dialogue outside of the official avenues of DEFRA and the All Party Parliamentary Group to further the aim.
Val Gibbens
Secretary Submitted to Water and Sewerage Magazine 12/09