Connection

Retail Market

The new Retail Market which opened on 1st April 2017 requires all commercial water connections to Affinity Water Limited’s network to be registered with a retailer. Learn more

A new or replacement water supply is normally requested when:

New premises are being built on vacant land
An existing property is demolished and a new property or properties are being constructed
There is a need to replace old lead, galvanised and other metallic pipes
There is an increase in water usage, which requires a larger sized water connection
A property is on existing common supply and requires a separate supply
A property is divided into multiple properties

Additional information

Pre-development frequently asked questions
Choosing a self-lay provider
New appointments and variations (NAV)

Apply for a connection

You can apply for a new connection using our application form
We have new charging arrangements for 2018/19. Estimate your application fee.
Further costs may apply – view our cost guide (PDF 634KB)
You can select a Retailer for new connections to Non-Household premises.

Apply for a new connection

Application guide
Installation guide (PDF 192KB)

A step-by-step guide to your water connection

We aim to provide you with cost advice within 28 calendar days of receiving your application.

Application
1. Retailer required

If premises are non-household select a retailer.

2. Application

Submit your S55 application.

3. Confirmation

We confirm we received everything.

4. Design, survey & cost

We work on the design, survey and cost.

5. Cost advice & proceed

We send cost advice. Tell us if you want to proceed.
1. If the new connection is for Non-Household premises, a Retailer must be selected by the Developer. View a list of current Retailers.
2. Submit your Section 45 Application for a new connection.
3. We will confirm we have everything needed to answer your enquiry within 5 calendar days of receiving your application.
4. We will design your connection which may include a site visit by a technician.
5. We will send you a cost advice within 28 Calendar Days after receiving the full and complete information and you then decide if you wish to proceed with the new connection.
Payment and request your connection
1. Forms & payment

To proceed, select your preferred payment method and make the payment.

2. Send photographs

Send us photographs of your pipework.

3. Confirmation

We confirm if your installation meets the requirements.

4. Planning team

Your application is passed to our planning team.
1. After you have decided to go ahead with a new connection, select your preferred payment method, complete the cost advice by signing the declaration form, then send them back to us by post or email and make the payment.
2. When you are ready for your connection send us photographs of your installation to show it meets our requirements.
3. We will check your installation photographs and confirm your pipework meets our requirements. We will do this within 3 working days of receiving your photographs.
4. We pass your application to our planning team.
Planning
1. Application review

Our planning team checks your installation details.

2. Propose an installation date

We call you to propose an installation date.

3. Notify your retailer

Notify retailer of the connection date.

4. Works permit and conditions reviewed

We review the works permit and conditions.

5. Confirm date

We will confirm the installation date.
1. Our planning team checks your application.
2. Our planner will call you within 5 working days to propose an installation date. The date will be within 21 calendar days if there are no extraordinary conditions (we confirm in writing if your works are considered extraordinary). You can request a later installation date if this suits your build programme (if you do opt for this we confirm the date in writing).
3. You must notify your Retailer at least 8 Business Days before the expected date of the new connection. Failure to notify the Retailer will mean the physical connection cannot be made by the Wholesaler.
4. If required, we will apply to the Highways Authority for a Street Works permit and they have 3 Business Days to respond to us. The permit status is confirmed and any conditions are noted. If this affects your installation date we will contact you, otherwise we will confirm your date on our schedule.
Installation
1. Site visit

We may visit the site before installation.

2. Team arrives

Our team arrives on site to start digging.

3. Installation

Pipes and meters installed, then our team leaves site.

4. Reinstatement

If required we will return to carry out a reinstatement.

5. Billing & switching

You will be billed by your retailer.
1. Our site agents may visit the area before their installation team arrives (you do not have to be present).
2. On the scheduled day our installation team will arrive to start the work.
3. Our installation team will complete the installation of our new pipework and connect to yours. They will install the new meters and are required to prove the supply and confirm the postal address. When everything is installed the team will leave site.
4. If any reinstatement is required this will be completed no more than 3 working days after the installation work.
5. The Wholesaler shall notify the Market Operator within 5 Business Days of the connection having been made, in accordance with the Market Terms. You will be billed for the water used by your Retailer. Any changes to the ownership or responsibility for payment of water charges should be directed to your chosen Retailer. You are also able to switch your provider of Retail services