Section 104 Sewer Adoption Checklist

Overview

What a Section 104 agreement is for

Ofwat describes sewerage adoption agreements as the route used when a developer or self-lay provider wants the relevant sewerage company to take responsibility for qualifying infrastructure they have constructed. The agreement and approved scheme documents remain specific to the development.

Technical support

1. Confirm the agreement and approval position

Before pricing or starting adoption-related construction, establish which documents are approved, which conditions remain open and who is responsible for design, construction, inspection coordination and evidence.

• Section 104 application or executed agreement and schedules
• Approved drainage layout, levels and manhole schedule
• Relevant sewerage company comments and local practices
• Connection approvals, easements, land or highway constraints
• Bond, programme or maintenance-period information where applicable

Technical support

2. Prepare the construction information

Translate the approved design into a clear delivery scope. Identify foul and surface water runs, manholes, connections, pumping stations, rising mains, access requirements and interfaces with other contractors before work starts.

• Current construction drawings available to the site team
• Pipe, bedding, backfill, chamber and cover specifications
• Temporary works, access, excavation and utility constraints
• Inspection points and notice requirements
• Process for recording agreed changes and as-built information

Technical support

3. Capture evidence during construction

Do not leave every record until the end. Photographs, levels, material information, test records, variations and inspection notes are easier to control when captured as the work progresses.

• Construction and inspection records
• Confirmed line, level, gradient and chamber details
• Agreed variations and revised drawings
• Air, water or pressure test evidence where required
• Pumping station and mechanical/electrical commissioning records where relevant

Technical support

4. Prepare CCTV, as-builts and close-out

The final evidence pack should reflect the actual assets. Review CCTV observations, cleaning, test results, as-built drainage records, manhole information and inspection comments together so practical defects and missing documents are separated clearly.

Technical support

5. Use current official documents

This checklist is an organising aid, not a substitute for the current approved guidance, the sewerage company's requirements, the executed agreement or professional design and legal advice.