Drains and Sewers

The responsibility for drains and sewers is quite complex and can be confusing. Here are some definitions which you may find helpful.

Drain - A pipeline which conveys foul sewage and/or surface water runoff from a single property. It is usually of small internal diameter. (The responsibility for its maintenance will generally lie with the property owner.)
Sewer - A pipeline which normally conveys foul sewage and/or surface water runoff from more than one property.
Public Sewer - A sewer which has been adopted as a public sewer, or was in use prior to October 1937. (Public sewers are the responsibility of the Sewerage Undertaker.)
Private Sewer - A sewer which is not a public sewer. (Generally all property owners connecting to a private sewer will share responsibility for maintenance)
Blocked Drains and Private Sewers - The council offers a service to deal with blockages in drains and private sewers for private households and commercial customers at very competitive rates. For details call 0151 356 6557 or fax 0151 355 7110. Outside normal working hours call 0151 355 0202.
Public Sewer Blockages, Sewer flooding, Sewage Pollution Incidents - Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough falls within the area of two sewerage undertakers. Public sewers serving Neston, Parkgate, Burton and the western half of Willaston village are the responsibility of Welsh Water. Should you wish to report a sewerage problem relating to these areas you should contact Welsh Water 0800 085 3968

United Utilities is responsible for the public sewers serving Ellesmere Port and the remainder of the borough.

For any queries call 0845 746 2200
or
Fax 01925 461 591/522

Monday to Friday 7am to 10pm
Saturday and Sunday 8am to 10pm
Emergency service out of hours
Or write to

United Utilities, PO Box 453, Warrington, WA5 3QN.

Land Drainage - In general terms the responsibility for the maintenance of ordinary watercourses, including ditches, piped ditches and culverts lies with the individual owners of the land which the watercourse runs through. Some of the large strategic watercourses are designated 'Main River' and in most cases the Environment Agency (EA) will take responsibility for their maintenance.
Both the EA and the council have powers to ensure that landowners keep their ditches and watercourses clear of obstructions.
For further information or advice on land drainage matters phone 0151 356 6722 or Fax 0151 356 5003.
In accordance with the government's 'High Level Targets for Flood and Coastal Defence' the council has prepared a 'Policy Statement on Flood and Coastal Defence'. The statement can be viewed at the council's offices at 4 Civic Way, Ellesmere Port, or at the Town Hall, High Street, Neston.

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Drains and Sewers