Since 1 October 2011, many sewer pipes and drains have changed classification from "private sewers" to "public sewers", and are now owned and maintained by the sewerage companies. If the proposed construction work involves either building over or within 3 metres of a public sewer, or a new connection of pipework alteration or access to a public sewer, then the relevant sewer authority may request an application (and an associated fee) for the proposed works to be carried out.

The application fees for Southern Water works can be found at:

Southern Water charges