Water & Environmental Resource Management Limited

Drainage and misconnection investigation specialists

WERM is a civil and utility infrastructure consultancy and survey company, established in 1997. As an approved framework contractor to the water industry, we trace and resolve misconnected drainage that pollutes rivers and streams.

The WERM office entrance at 10 Western Road, Romford, with the WERM sign above the door
Our office: 10 Western Road, Romford, Essex RM1 3JT
Been contacted by WERM?

Why we've been in touch, and what happens next

If you've received a phone call or letter from WERM about your property, it will relate to a drainage misconnection investigation we are carrying out on behalf of your water company, as one of its approved framework contractors. Here's what to expect.

  1. Why you've been contacted

    When testing shows that wastewater is entering the surface water system in an area, the source has to be traced property by property. We contact the households involved to explain the work and arrange a convenient time to check the drainage.

  2. What the visit involves

    Our surveyor carries out simple, non-invasive checks (dye testing and lifting inspection covers) to confirm which drain each appliance and downpipe connects to. We'll explain what we're doing at every stage.

  3. What happens afterwards

    Our findings are reported to the water company. If a misconnection is found at your property, we'll show you exactly what we found and explain clearly what needs to change to put it right.

What is a misconnection?

Two separate systems, and what happens when they cross

Most properties are served by two entirely separate drainage systems. The foul sewer carries wastewater from toilets, sinks, baths and appliances to a treatment works. The surface water drain carries rainwater from roofs and driveways straight to the nearest river or stream, untreated.

A misconnection is a pipe plumbed into the wrong system, often a washing machine, dishwasher or bathroom added years ago. The result is untreated wastewater flowing directly into local watercourses. Most owners have no idea until the drainage is tested.

PROPERTY SURFACE WATER DRAIN TO LOCAL RIVER FOUL SEWER TO TREATMENT WORKS RAINWATER BATHROOM & KITCHEN ! MISCONNECTED PIPE E.G. WASHING MACHINE
Fig. 1. A misconnection sends wastewater into the surface water drain, which discharges untreated into the nearest watercourse
A polluted stream with sewage fungus on the water surface, surrounded by vegetation
Fig. 2. Sewage fungus in a watercourse: the visible result of misconnected drainage upstream
What we do

Consultancy and surveying for water infrastructure

Alongside our misconnection investigation programmes, we provide specialist investigation, surveying and consultancy services across sewerage, drainage and utility infrastructure.

Investigation

Misconnection & pollution tracing

Systematic source tracing for sewage pollution in rivers, streams and surface water systems, with clear evidence and practical advice on putting problems right.

Surveying

Drainage survey & mapping

Accurate network tracing, CCTV inspection and digital drainage records to support design, asset management and planning.

Resilience

Flood mitigation

Site-specific investigation and mitigation advice for sewer flooding, surface water and property-level flood risk.

Reporting

Site assessment & reporting

On-site inspection and condition assessment turned into clear reports for householders, engineers and water companies.

A detailed WERM drainage plan drawing showing foul and surface water pipe runs across a large site
Fig. 3. Example drainage record drawing produced by WERM
Est. 1997

Nearly three decades of sewerage, drainage and utility infrastructure work.

Framework contractor

Delivering misconnection investigation programmes for the water industry as an approved framework contractor.

Romford, Essex

Based at 10 Western Road, serving London and the South East.

Questions about a visit, or a project to discuss?

Call the office or send us a message and we'll point you to the right person.