Find out what utilities you are entitled to, and what to do if they're not suitable.
Water and drainage
A clean water supply is essential for healthy living and must be provided in sufficient quantity.
Water
A water supply may be unsuitable if:
- it is provided through broken and rusted pipe-work and tanks
- water tanks and pipes are not protected from contamination
- if they're not sufficiently protected against lead contamination from lead pipes
- insufficient supply of drinking water encourages use of tank water for drinking
- a mains supply is not provided to the kitchen
If you have questions about a your water supply, you can complete our online form.
Drainage
Every property must have a proper working drainage system. Without proper drainage, it can cause:
- disease and infection from untreated, foul, water and sewage, and
- can result in unpleasant odours and vermin activity
Poor drainage could be:
- blocked or broken drains or sewers that cause water overflows which can result in:
- slips or falls (especially if frozen)
- bad smells affecting your neighbours
- pipes not connected to the drainage system
- moisture damage to walls and roofing from missing, rusted, broken and leaking:
- gutters
- rainwater down-pipes
A working toilet and wash hand basin is important to stop the spread of disease and infections. To avoid the spread of disease and infections and maintain personal hygiene. This reduces the risk of body odour, body lice and infections. All dwelling must have:
- a flush water closet located inside the dwelling with a wash hand basin located close by that is provided with a hot and cold water supply
- a bath or shower located in a bathroom together with a hot and cold water supply
- amenities that are not cracked, damaged or leaking or in such condition that they cannot be effectively cleaned
- taps that are working correctly and a hot water supply temperature that is capable of being controlled
- amenities properly connected to the drainage system