Planning Near Stressed Water Networks: What Section 19 Undertakings Mean for You
Why undertakings matter to developers
Regulatory undertakings accepted by water companies signal tougher expectations on overflow management, pollution incidents and network capacity. In practice, developers connecting to stressed catchments should expect more questions up front—and slower responses if evidence is thin. The quickest path through is to demonstrate how your scheme reduces burden on day one.
Design to reduce peaks and improve quality
With measured rates from Infiltration Testing, you can maximise infiltration where feasible and detain peaks where it isn’t. Treatment trains—filter strips, swales, bioretention—cut sediment and nutrient loads before any controlled discharge. A Phase 1 Desktop Study sets the receptor context, flags pollution pathways and ensures SuDS features are sited away from contamination hot‑spots.
What to include in your pack
Officers will look for trial pit logs and photos, BRE 365 calculations, exceedance routing drawings, and a simple maintenance schedule with named responsibilities. If redevelopment involves breaking up large hardstandings, plan WAC Testing sampling so compliant materials can be reused and impacted arisings are segregated for the correct facility. Where old workings are possible, a proportionate Coal Mining Risk Assessment prevents late design changes.
Faster consultation, fewer objections
EnviroSolution delivers rapid Infiltration Testing and concise Phase 1 Desktop Study reporting—giving utilities and planners the confidence that your project will not add to stressed networks, and helping your programme stay on track.
Work with, not against, utilities
Share your {INF} data and SuDS strategy with the water company early, demonstrating peak flow reduction and water quality treatment. Include exceedance routing and maintenance responsibilities so operations teams know how the system will perform over time. Use the {P1} to justify why sensitive receptors remain protected during construction and operation.
Programme benefits
Better engagement, fewer RFIs, and a clearer path to connection approvals in constrained catchments.
Quick checklist to keep your programme moving
• Commission a scoped Phase 1 Desktop Study to establish historic use, receptors, flood context and constraints that will influence design and construction methods.
• Book early Infiltration Testing (where relevant) to obtain BRE 365 design rates, groundwater observations and trial pit logs that make a SuDS strategy credible.
• Prepare a proportionate sampling plan and WAC Testing for any soils or demolition arisings so reuse and disposal routes are lawful and cost‑controlled.
• Where older structures are retained or stripped, add Asbestos Surveys to locate ACMs and sequence safe removal; for coalfield locations consider a screening‑level Coal Mining Risk Assessment.
• Align drawings, statements and calculations so drainage, ecology and construction mitigation tell one consistent story in your submission.
How EnviroSolution helps
We deliver fast surveys, accredited lab testing and concise reporting that joins the dots—turning risk into clear design choices and planning‑ready evidence. If you need energy compliance for new homes or conversions, our SAP Calculations integrate with the broader pack so Building Control sign‑off is straightforward.