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Christmas Cut Off Dates 2026

Date: 14/09/2026

Relevant to: UCPs

As we approach the Christmas period, we would like to make UCPs aware of our Christmas cut-off dates.

To help us ensure your water connection requests are processed in time, please take note of the relevant deadlines outlined below.

UCP/SW Primary, Advance and All Works tie ins – Must be submitted by 19th October

UCP/SW Secondary Connections – Must be submitted by 9th November

PT only requests - Must be submitted by 20th November 

All Works SW Standard connections – Track inspections must be passed by 19th October

Standard SW Connections – Track inspections must be passed by 20th November 

All connection requests re opened from 11th January

Can you please make sure all requests are submitted by the applicable cut off date to avoid any delays over the festive period. 

If you have any upcoming requirements, we recommend submitting your requests as early as possible to allow sufficient time for processing.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding, if you have any questions please contact our Connections Team at developmentoperations@scottishwater.co.uk 

New Waste Water Pumping Station (WWPS) Submission Requirements 

Date: 21/08/2026 

Relevant to: Developers

Scottish Water has updated the submission requirements for standard Waste Water Pumping Station (WWPS) applications. These changes apply to all standard WWPS submissions from 27 July 2026 and are intended to improve the organisation of pumping station information. Bespoke WWPS submissions are unaffected.  

The updates include: 

WWPS Drawing Pack – A checklist of the drawings required for a standard WWPS submission.  

WWPS Information Pack – A checklist of supporting information and documentation required as part of the submission. 

WWPS Portal Information Sheet – A new form requiring key site-specific information to be provided.  

A new portal question has also been introduced: 

"Is a waste water pumping station required? Yes / No"  

Where the answer is Yes, all WWPS documents must be submitted within a folder titled "Pumping Station Information Pack". Applications submitted without the required information will not be audited until the missing details have been provided.  

Upcoming Change - WWPS Septicity Assessment 

Scottish Water will shortly introduce a septicity assessment for WWPS sites to help identify potential odour and septicity risks. Audit letters will confirm the minimum number of plots required to discharge to the pumping station before vesting can take place. Developers should discuss any concerns or mitigation measures directly with their WWPS designer.  

The WWPS submission documents can be accessed from the Development Services guidance section.

Scottish Water has published a series of new and updated Technical Bulletins to provide additional guidance and clarification on specific areas of Sewers for Scotland 4 (SfS4) and Water for Scotland 4 (WfS4). These documents supplement the existing standards and should be read alongside the relevant SfS4 and WfS4 requirements.

The updates include:

SUDS Access Bulletin (TB001 v2) – Updated guidance on access arrangements, vehicle movements and surface finish requirements for ponds and basins. 

WWPS Access Bulletin (TB002 v1) – New guidance clarifying tanker access, parking and maintenance requirements for Wastewater Pumping Stations.

GCS Storage Bulletin (TB003 v1) – New guidance covering the design, maintenance and adoption requirements for Geocellular Storage (GCS) systems.

Asset Policy Standard – Water Mains Protection v2 – Updated requirements for water main protection, access corridors and stand-off distances.

Important Update - GCS Design Submissions

From 1 September 2026, all developments proposing Geocellular Storage (GCS) assets must submit a completed GCS Design Checklist as part of the Technical Approval process. The checklist has been introduced to support consistent design submissions and demonstrate compliance with Scottish Water's GCS requirements. 

The new and updated guidance documents can be accessed from the Guidance Documents section of the Connecting to our Network page.

Annual Development Forum 2026

Our 2026 Annual Development Forum at Dunblane Hydro brought together colleagues and partners from across the development and construction sector to explore how we can continue to enable development in challenging times, through open discussion shared insight and collaboration.

Building on the success of previous forums, the event provided an opportunity to hear updates on priorities, explore key challenges, and take part in constructive conversations on how development can continue to be supported across Scotland. Sessions encouraged engagement, honest dialogue, and practical thinking, with valuable contributions from both Scottish Water colleagues and external partners.

Delegates took part in an informative and engaging programme of discussions, including presentations from CEO Alex Plant, Chief Operating Officer Peter Farrer, and Development Services & Operations General Manager Mark Hunter. They covered a range of topics related to our strategic vision, challenges we face, and updates on our current projects.

If you are part of the Development and Construction Sector and think the content of our Forums may be of interest, please get in touch with us via email at: DevelopmentServicesEvents@scottishwater.co.uk.