Planning Your Development
Scottish Water publishes annually the Strategic Asset Capacity & Development Plan (SACDP), which outlines the current available capacity at our water and wastewater treatment works right across Scotland.
This document is a snapshot taken at the beginning of each annual review period which includes details of the data sources we have used, the methodology applied to calculate available capacity, as well as a series of tables listing all of our water and wastewater treatment works by each Local Authority within Scotland.
A copy of this report along with the regional tables is available to download in PDF format on the right hand side of this page.
In addition to the SACDP report, Scottish Water provides information relating the capacity of its water and wastewater treatment works via the online Asset Capacity Search tool. Whereas the SACDP report can only provide a static snapshot of capacity at the beginning of each review period, the online Asset Capacity Search tool reflects the current position having taken into account new connections.
To ensure that you receive an early indication of any issues relating to your proposed water and waste water services, we advise that you make contact with Scottish Water before applying for planning permission or submitting your formal application.
We will acknowledge receipt of your request and will advise you if we need more information to enable us to complete our assessment (pdf).
For single properties and small developments we will normally be able to respond quickly.
For larger sites or where your development may impose on our existing water and waste water services, we may require a Development Impact Assessment.
For larger developments you may also require an Environmental Impact Assessment to satisfy the requirements of the local planning department.
To help answer your questions about this impact assessment please consult the New Connections Guide.
You will be advised of any further input required which may include the need for further engineering studies. You will be liable for all of the cost of these studies.
Remember: The more information that you are able to provide with respect to the scale and nature of your proposed development the better.
For further and detailed information take a look at our Guide for Obtaining New Water and Waste Water Services.
The Planning Process
Scottish Water is a statutory consultee within the planning legislation and is required to comment on all planning applications.
Don't forget: A separate contact must be made with Scottish Water as planning permission granted by local authorities does not secure the provision of water and waste water services. It also does not guarantee that there is sufficient network capacity available for new connections.
Approval in Principle to Connect
Scottish Water’s assessment of your development proposal will conclude with us issuing an “Approval in Principle” for the development to connect to our network. Approval will only be granted if there are no issues that need to be resolved or investigated.
Scottish Water will provide any details of specific conditions that apply in relation to the connection process.
For further information please contact our Customer Helpline 0845 601 8855
