Who do I contact to request a new public sewer connection?

Begin with Scottish Water for a formal connection offer and with Glasgow City Council for local permits and highway approvals.

Do I need a SEPA permit for trade effluent?

Possibly—SEPA regulates discharges to the environment; apply to SEPA if your discharge exceeds domestic-strength or enters controlled waters.

How long do approvals typically take?

Timelines vary by scope and provider; start pre-application discussions early and obtain a written programme from the approving body.

Glasgow Sewer Connection Fees & Discharge Limits

Utilities and Infrastructure Scotland 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026

Introduction

This guide explains sewer connection charges, trade effluent discharge limits and the municipal processes in Glasgow, Scotland. It summarises who enforces rules, typical application steps, where to find forms and how to report non-compliance. Use this as a practical checklist when planning building work, new connections or commercial discharges in Glasgow.

Who controls sewer connections and discharges

Public sewer connections are typically managed in partnership between local authorities and the public water company; environmental discharge consents are regulated by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). For local approvals, contact Glasgow City Council Building Standards and Streets Services for guidance on connections and road opening licences Glasgow City Council building standards^[1]. For connection design and charges, Scottish Water is the statutory provider for public sewers Scottish Water connections^[2]. For trade effluent, discharge consents and environmental limits, SEPA administers permits and regimes SEPA discharge permits^[3].

Typical fees and charge structure

Connection assessment fee: varies by project and applicant; specific fee schedules are published by Scottish Water or quoted on application.
Construction/connect fee: charged for physical works on the public sewer; amount depends on scope and is set by the service provider.
Road opening or street works fees: payable to the local authority when access affects the public highway.

Exact numeric fees and schedules are not specified on the cited pages and must be confirmed in the relevant application or quotation from the listed agencies.

Contact the service provider early to obtain an accurate fee quotation.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement responsibility is shared: Glasgow City Council enforces local bylaws, building regulations and street works; SEPA enforces pollution control and discharge consents; Scottish Water enforces connection agreements and may refuse works that do not meet technical standards.

Monetary penalties and escalation: the cited pages do not display fixed fine amounts for municipal sewer offences or discharge breaches; amounts are not specified on the cited page. Where statutory penalties apply, enforcement may include fines, civil sanctions or criminal prosecution depending on the breach and the enforcing body.

Enforcement actions and non-monetary sanctions

Compliance notices and remedial works orders requiring rectification.
Court prosecution for serious or persistent breaches.
Seizure or disconnection of unauthorised connections or equipment.
Requirements to monitor, report or install permits/controls (for trade effluent).

Keep records of permits and correspondence to support any appeal or review.

Inspection, reporting and contact

Report local sewer or drainage problems and suspected illegal discharges to Glasgow City Council or SEPA via their official contact pages.
Scottish Water should be contacted for proposed physical connections to public sewers and for quotations.

Appeals and reviews: processes vary by regulator. SEPA decisions have statutory review procedures and rights of appeal; local council enforcement notices include timescales to appeal—specific time limits are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with the issuing authority.

Applications & Forms

Scottish Water connection application or enquiry form—request a quotation or connection offer from Scottish Water via their connections page.
Glasgow City Council building standards application / street works licence—apply via the council’s building standards and roads teams.
SEPA discharge application / permit form—for trade effluent or environmental permits submit through SEPA systems.

If a specific named form or fee code is required, it will be supplied on the relevant agency page or in the pre-application response; the cited pages do not publish every form name or fee code and may require direct contact for the current documents.

Begin pre-application enquiries at least 8–12 weeks before planned works to avoid delays.

How-To

Confirm whether your work requires a public sewer connection, trade discharge consent or both.
Contact Glasgow City Council Building Standards and Scottish Water for technical requirements and initial estimates.
Apply for a connection or permit using the relevant provider’s application process; supply plans, flow/consent data and any technical reports.
Pay quoted fees or provide security as required; schedule works once approvals are received.
Notify inspections and comply with any monitoring, reporting or remedial requirements post-connection.

FAQ

Who do I contact to request a new public sewer connection?: Begin with Scottish Water for a formal connection offer and with Glasgow City Council for local permits and highway approvals.
Do I need a SEPA permit for trade effluent?: Possibly—SEPA regulates discharges to the environment; apply to SEPA if your discharge exceeds domestic-strength or enters controlled waters.
How long do approvals typically take?: Timelines vary by scope and provider; start pre-application discussions early and obtain a written programme from the approving body.

Key Takeaways

Scottish Water, Glasgow City Council and SEPA each have distinct roles—contact them early.
Fees and permit timescales vary by project; obtain written quotations and schedules.