Pumping stations pump sewage to the nearest suitable gravity sewer or treatment works. From 1st October 2016 many formerly private pumping stations became the responsibility of water companies. To be eligible for transfer, they had to be operational prior to July 2011 and either serve multiple properties, or be located outside of the boundary of the single property they serve.
The presence of a pumping station can be disruptive for homeowners. Water companies can access private land for inspection and maintenance of their assets, and pumping stations require more regular inspection than sewers. Pumping stations can produce occasional noise and sewage odour. Finally, water companies restrict building over or near public assets, and these rules are even stricter regarding the pressurised sewers connecting to pumping stations.
It should be noted that recently transferred pumping stations and pressurised sewers may not yet be plotted on our sewer plans.