Drainage and sewers
Most problems with sewers such as blockages or pipe collapses in the Winchester City Council area are dealt with by Southern Water. The main exception to this is where a blockage or collapse is to a pipe serving just one property (known as a drain). The council can address problems in a drain when a defect is causing an issue to other properties, for example allowing sewage to discharge onto their land or causing rat problems.
On this page
— Non-mains drainage (cesspools and septic tanks)
— Council owned treatment systems
Non-mains drainage (cesspools and septic tanks)
Where a property is not on mains drainage, the householder or the owner of the property provides their own system such as cesspool, septic tank or a package treatment plant. These systems are usually found in the more rural areas of the district, where mains drainage is not available. These systems of drainage are effective, provided they are managed correctly.
If these systems fail or are not well maintained and overflow or leak, the Environmental Protection team may be able to require repair or replacement of the system. If pollution of a water course takes place, the Environment Agency would be the most appropriate regulatory body.
If you own a septic tank or other similar package treatment system you may require a permit from the Environment Agency. In certain circumstances this is not required as long as the appliance meets general binding rules. More information can be found on the government website.
Council owned treatment systems
We own and maintain about 50 treatment systems that serve properties that are or were council houses. If there is a problem with one of these systems then please contact our Engineering Services.