Issue with Adoption of Private Sewer

Teuk

I am reaching out to anyone who has experience of a water company refusing to adopt a private sewer and the appeal to OFWAT.
Our situation is very briefly that we believed our private sewer was adopted by the water company in 2011 under the transfer of private sewers legislation.
We have lived in the property for 30 years and have always paid sewage charges as have our three neighbours and we are connected to the public sewer system.
Following an issue recently the water company was called to an issue and have declared that due to the presence of an underground tank which they are calling a cesspit with an overflow they do not consider the sewage system to have been transferred.
OFWAT have said that appeals have now closed and we must apply to the water company to adopt the sewer under section 102 of the water industries act.
The so called cesspit has never been emptied or recharged and is full of sludge.
I realise this is a fairly unique situation but if there is anyone with any experience their help would be appreciated.
Many thanks

QrizB

Is this underground tank used solely by you, or is it shared with the other properties?

You should probably have it pumped out.