Petition · Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government

Make it Law for Water Companies to Object When Sewage Systems Are Over Capacity

Closed 5,136 signatures

What the petition asks

We urge the Government to legally require water companies to object to planning developments once the sewage system is over-capacity. This could stop new developments proceeding without confirmed infrastructure upgrades.
Under the current law, water companies have a duty to connect to all new developments to the sewer system, including systems which may be over-capacity. This can lead to flooding, sewage overflows and environmental damage. Councils might not refuse applications on these grounds. We believe we need a legal safeguard to help stop unsustainable development and protect communities, infrastructure, and the environment from further harm.

Timeline

10 Jul 2025 Petition opened for signatures
10 Jan 2026 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 5,136
Status Closed
Department Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government
Opened 10 Jul 2025
Closed 10 Jan 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 29 Jul 2026.