Sewers for adoption was first issued in 1980. Since then it has become the standard in England and Wales for the design and construction of sewers to adoptable standards. It is a guide to assist developers in preparing their submission to a sewerage undertaker prior to entering an adoption agreement under section 104 of the Water Industry Act 1991.
The philosophy has not changed over the years, in that developers are expected to work to the same standards as those used by the water companies. Public sewers should be located in highways or public open spaces, and as a general rule, there should be at least 10 houses connected to a system before sewers are adopted.