Water connection

• you’re building a new property and need a permanent water supply
• you’re converting a property that all need their own individual supplies
• you’re installing firefighting equipment such as water sprinklers
• you’d like a supply for other purposes, for example, to clean bin stores in flats or agricultural use

• there′s a need to replace old lead, galvanised and other metallic pipes
• a larger sized water connection is needed because of an increase in water usage
• an existing property has been demolished and new properties are being constructed
• a property is on shared water supply and requires a separate supply 

• you need a temporary supply of water for building purposes.

Find out more about our standpipe service.

Connection charges

At Essex & Suffolk Water, connection charges reflect the actual cost of providing your connection. We do not make a profit. Charges cover the work required to safely and reliably connect your property to the network.

Please note: We review our charges at the start of each financial year, so older quotes may differ from today’s rates.

What’s included in the cost:

• Pipework inspection
• Design & planning
• Traffic management
• Excavation & construction
• Connection testing and commissioning
• Reinstatement
• Account set up

Are all connection charges the same for all customers?

No, connection charges are not exactly the same for every customer. While some elements of a connection, like standard infrastructure charges, are fixed, the total cost can vary depending on:

• The type and size of your development
• The length and complexity of the service pipe required
• Any additional works needed, such as traffic management or local authority approvals
• Site-specific conditions that may affect construction

Traffic Management & Third-Party Charges

Why are local authority and traffic management charges included?
These charges cover the costs of complying with local authority requirements and safety regulations. They may include road closures, signage, and other measures to ensure safe and compliant construction.

Who pays for traffic management and third-party charges?
The developer is responsible for these charges. They are included in your quotation and are necessary to carry out work in line with legal and safety standards.

Other Considerations

What is the environmental component?

It relates to water efficiency standards that encourage lower water use in new homes. Developments that meet defined efficiency criteria may be eligible for discounts on infrastructure charges, in line with the company’s current policies.

Why are infrastructure charges necessary?
Infrastructure charges fund reinforcement of our water and wastewater networks to support new developments. They ensure our infrastructure can meet growing demand and maintain high service quality.

What does quote validity mean?
Quote validity is the period during which the terms and charges in your quotation remain applicable. After this period, charges may change due to inflation or changes in material costs.

When I get a quote, how soon do I need to go forward with the connection?
There’s no immediate obligation, but it is advisable to proceed within the quote validity period to lock in the current charges and avoid potential increases.

I’ve paid for an old quote – does my price stay the same?
If you have paid for a previous quote and the connection work hasn’t been completed; charges will be based on the current rates at the time of service. Contact our Developer Services team to confirm current charges and any adjustments.