WIRS accredited diversion specialists

Water Diversions & Mains Alterations

Permanent diversions, mains relays, decommissioning, and pressure zone alterations. Full approval management with Severn Trent Water.

WIRS accredited Safe dig capability Severn Trent managed
The Process
1
Asset survey & design
2
Severn Trent approval
3
Installation & connection
4
Testing & adoption
From Survey to Adoption

The Process Step by Step

Every water main diversion follows a clear, auditable sequence. Here is exactly what happens at each stage.

1

Types of Alteration

Water main alterations fall into several categories. A permanent diversion installs a new main on an alternative route, replacing the section of main that conflicts with the development. A mains relay relays the existing main at a greater depth on the same or a slightly modified route, typically to accommodate new highway works. Decommissioning removes a redundant section of main from service, with the water company disconnecting and sealing the redundant ends. Pressure zone boundary alterations involve installing or relocating a pressure reducing valve to accommodate a change in the network boundary. USP advises on the most appropriate alteration type for each situation.

2

Approval Process

All water main alterations require prior approval from Severn Trent Water. USP prepares and submits the diversion application, including the diversion route design, depth of cover confirmation, pipe material specification, continuity of supply plan, and traffic management proposals where required. For pressure zone boundary alterations, the application includes PRV sizing calculations and chamber design. Severn Trent reviews the submission and issues written approval before any groundworks begin. USP manages this process and responds to any queries from the water company's technical team.

3

Installation and Connection

With written approval in place, USP mobilises its WIRS-accredited installation team. New pipework is installed on the approved route to the required depth of cover, using MDPE blue pipe or HPPE pipe as appropriate for the diameter. All joints are made by electrofusion welding using qualified welders. Once installation is complete and pressure tested, USP coordinates the water company's non-contestable connection work, which makes the live connection between the new main and the existing network. Continuity of supply to existing customers is maintained throughout in accordance with the agreed plan.

4

Testing and Adoption

Following installation and the water company connection, USP carries out a formal pressure test of the new main. Where the new main is to carry potable water, chlorination and bacteriological sampling are also required before adoption. All test results, welder qualifications, and as-built drawings are compiled into an adoption documentation pack and submitted to Severn Trent Water. The water company carries out a site inspection and formally adopts the new main. The diverted section of original main is decommissioned by the water company once the new main is live.

Water pipe installation in an open trench on a development site
Proof on the Ground

See it in action

Every diversion we complete is pressure tested, adopted by Severn Trent, and supported by a full quality documentation pack.

500+
Water connections delivered
50
5-star Google reviews
10+
Industry accreditations
Key Technical Considerations

Technical Specifications

The critical parameters that govern every water main diversion and alteration.

Permanent diversion
New main installed on an alternative route, replacing the section of existing main that conflicts with the development.
Mains relay
Existing main relaid at greater depth on the same or a modified route, typically to accommodate new highway or infrastructure works.
Decommissioning
Water company disconnects and seals redundant ends. Redundant pipework may be left in situ or removed depending on site conditions.
PRV works
Pressure reducing valve assembly installed in an accessible chamber for pressure zone boundary crossings. Severn Trent network planning approval required.
Non-contestable
Water company carries out all live connections to the existing network. USP prepares all connection points and coordinates the booking.
Adoption
Pressure test, chlorination, and bacteriological sampling required. Severn Trent site inspection before formal adoption.
Why Choose USP

What USP Can Do For You

End-to-end diversion capability from a single WIRS-accredited provider.

WIRS accredited for water main diversions. USP is authorised to carry out all contestable diversion work to Severn Trent Water specification.
Full Severn Trent approval management. USP prepares and submits all diversion applications, responds to technical queries, and obtains written approval before works begin.
Safe dig and vacuum excavation capability. USP uses vacuum excavation to safely expose existing water mains before any mechanical excavation.
Coordinated diversions. Where a water main diversion is required alongside gas or electrical diversions, USP can coordinate all three under a single programme and contract.
Rigorous quality and sampling records. Every diversion is supported by a full documentation pack including pressure test records, chlorination certificates, and as-built drawings.
Certified Provider

Fully Accredited & Committed to Safety

Every water diversion we deliver meets the highest industry standards. Worker safety, public safety, environmental responsibility, and project compliance from planning to sign-off.

WaterSafe accredited
WIAPS accredited
LRQA WIRS certified
LRQA NERS certified
LRQA GIRS certified
ISO 9001 certified
Achilles UVDB Silver Plus
Constructionline member
SSIP accredited
Acclaim accredited
What Our Clients Say About Us

Rated 5.0 ★★★★★

50 Google Reviews

Water Diversions FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

A water main diversion is required when an existing water main conflicts with a proposed development, building, or infrastructure scheme. Common triggers include a main running through the footprint of a new building, a main that needs to be lowered to accommodate new highway works, or a main that needs to be rerouted to allow a development to proceed. All diversions require prior approval from the water company and must be carried out by a WIRS-accredited contractor.
Live connections to the existing water main network are non-contestable work, meaning they can only be carried out by the water company itself (in this case, Severn Trent Water). USP installs all the new pipework and prepares the connection points, but the water company carries out the actual connection to the live main. This is an important programme consideration, as the water company connection may have a lead time of several weeks from booking.
The timeline for a water main diversion depends on the complexity of the scheme, the length of new pipework, and the availability of the water company for non-contestable connection work. A straightforward diversion can typically be designed, approved, and installed within 6 to 10 weeks. Schemes requiring complex approval, pressure zone boundary crossing, or multiple connections may take longer. USP establishes a clear programme at the outset and tracks all milestones proactively.
Continuity of supply is a key requirement of any water main diversion. USP prepares a continuity of supply plan as part of the diversion design, identifying how existing customers will be maintained during the works. This may involve temporary surface pipe, phased connections, or overnight working. The plan is agreed with Severn Trent Water before works begin. Short planned outages may still be required for connection works, and affected customers are given advance notice.
Yes. Where a diversion requires crossing a pressure zone boundary, additional design work is required to install a pressure reducing valve (PRV) assembly at the boundary. USP designs and installs PRV chambers as part of the diversion scope. The pressure zone boundary alteration requires specific approval from Severn Trent Water's network planning team, which USP manages as part of the overall approval process.
Get Started

Need a Water Main
Diverted on Your Site?

Tell us about your project and we will send you a free, no-obligation diversion plan within 24 hours.

100% free, no obligation Response within 24 hours 5.0 from 50 Google reviews

Prefer to talk? Call 024 7542 6505 for immediate service.

Get a Quote