Section 24 Sewers/ Drains - blockage and responsibility

Lucasdemoley1

Hi, I have a blockage in my surface water drainage (roof water). My drains pick up water also from my neighbors property.
I contacted DCWW who came out to take a look and they said that as the drains were surface water, they were my responsibility and probably lead to a soakaway on my property.
After some digging, I have found that the pipes leave my property into the road. They don't connect into a public sewer, I assume they lead to a culvert some 50m away. I've broken into the pipe on my property, cleared the blockage as far as I can, however there is a blockage in the road.

My property was built I think in 1921 (first date in deeds). I understand that pre-1937 drainage is the authorities responsibility under section 24. I called DCWW today but they said it was still my reasonability and the person I spoke to wasn't aware of section 24. 

My question is, as this is surface water drainage only that picks up my neighbors surface water drainage, and drains to a culvert, is this my responsibility or does it fall under the Section 24? I've tried researching but it isn't really clear if this only relates to foul waste and not surface water.

Help would be appreciated to see if I should give DCWW another call on the matter.

Thanks.

Cardew

Welcome to the forum.

My water company(Severn Trent) sent out a guidance notice in 2010 when water companies took over responsibility from councils.

The terminology is interesting and may have relevance to your situation.

'Drains are pipes which carry waste and surface water from one or more houses. When one drain meets another, it becomes a sewer.'(my bold)

'If the property was built before 1st October 1937 and so long as there are two or more properties connected to the length of drain/sewer affected it is the responsibility of Severn Trent to clear'

So as it specifically covers surface water, my reading would be that it is the responsibility of the water company.

It may be worth contacting the Consumer Council for Water for their guidance. https://www.ccwater.org.uk/households/

Edit

I have assumed DCWW is Welsh Water and I believe they are goverened by the sam legislation as England