Tank registration in Shropshire properties

Whilst not the most exciting of subjects, drains and septic tanks are hot topics in Shropshire at the moment.

A large amount of rural properties in Shropshire and older properties that do not benefit from mains drains are connected to a septic tank.

Many homeowners are unaware that if their tank discharges to a river or stream there is an obligation upon them to register with the Environment Agency immediately.

If the tank drains to ground then homeowners have until 1st January 2012 to register the same.

Registration is free and you only have to do it once.

For more guidance you should contact one of our Property Team who will be happy to discuss the matter with you.

If that wasn’t enough, the current homeowner responsibilities for drains are under scrutiny with a view to being reviewed in October this year.

Currently the majority of homeowners are responsible for the maintenance and repair of pipes that lead from their external drain to the public sewer. This responsibility is sometimes shared with neighbours.

Under the new proposals any pipes that lie with the boundary of the homeowner’s property that connect to drains from the property will remain the home owner’s responsibility unless other properties drain through it.

Then the responsibility for the sewers may be transferred to the water companies, but will this then mean a rise in the bills raised by the water companies? The Government has indicated that the costs will be shared amongst all water customers.

Watch this space for further developments!