Pre-planning enquiry

Pre‑planning Enquiry and Network Capacity

As pressure on water resources continues to grow across our region, it’s more important than ever to speak with us early on about your proposed development. Submitting a pre‑planning enquiry gives us early visibility of your plans, helps us prepare for future growth, and may allow us to provide network capacity ahead of need.

When to submit a pre‑planning enquiry

You should submit a pre‑planning enquiry if:

• Your development includes 3 or more properties or commercial units, or
• You need water for non-domestic use, such as processing or manufacturing. This also includes water used in cooling systems that evaporates, like those in data centres.

What you can expect from us

We’ll confirm within 21 days whether our network has the capacity to support your development and outline any potential impacts your proposals may have. This information will help you develop suitable water strategies.

If there isn’t sufficient capacity and network reinforcement is required, we will explain what needs to happen.

Why early engagement matters

Network reinforcement can take from 18 months to several years to design and construct. The earlier we know about your plans, the sooner we can prepare and prevent potential delays to your development.

You can use our response to support your planning application and demonstrate that you’ve consulted with us.

Ready to get started?

Submit a Pre‑Planning Enquiry using our online portal.