From just two questions in the local authority search, the new CON29DW enquiry was developed in 2002 to include the location of sewer and water mains, the connection status of a property, and billing information. Today, the enquiry comprises 25 standard questions answered in full, from sewerage and water asset information to sewer flooding history and connection information, giving peace of mind and mitigating risk for homebuyers, property owners and conveyancers alike.

The CON29DW is compiled by specialist teams with years of experience using a vast range of water and sewerage data, checking and reviewing each report, then passing the data through various quality and review stages, before it’s delivered to customers.

There have been multi-million pound investments in this service by CON29DW producers in order to improve product quality and speed of response. Today, over 95% of reports are delivered within five working days.

Visit www.con29dw.co.uk to find out about the CON29DW or to identify your local producer.

Whilst existing water companies will still own and maintain water and sewerage networks, services including billing, handling customer queries and complaints, and meter reading will be provided by a number of different companies (see www.open-water.org.uk/).

This change will have an impact on the Commercial Drainage and Water Enquiry (CommercialDW). This briefing note explains the changes and what commercial property conveyancers need to be aware of.

In support of the roll-out, the Law Society have provided guidance notes, developed in consultation with Land Data, the Local Land Charges Institute and the Local Government Association, to provide guidance to local authorities in replying to CON29 and CON29O enquiries of local authorities. Click here to view these guidance notes.

The Law Society has been working closely with DWSN providers to develop the updated CON29DW enquiry form for the 4th July 2016 deadline. The updated CON29DW reflects changes in legislation and so provides conveyancers with the most up-to-date information available when advising their clients on the impact of water and waste water networks in relation to property purchases.

A briefing note explaining the changes to the CON29DW enquiry can be found here.

Working in consultation with The Law Society, The Drainage and Water Searches Network(DWSN) agreed changes to the CON29DW to ensure that the Enquiry provides conveyancers with the most up-to-date information available when advising their clients on the impact of water and waste water networks in relation to property purchases.

In summary the key changes are:

• Inclusion of details on private pumping stations
• Impact of sustainable drainage systems (SUDs) on newly adopted sewerage networks
• Removal of water quality information as this is not property specific; however this information will still be available on individual water companies’ websites
• Provision of water hardness information.

The briefing note explains the changes and what conveyancers need to be aware of. A sample of the updated CON29DW is provided here for you.

Working in consultation with The Law Society, The Drainage and Water Searches Network(DWSN) have agreed changes to the CON29DW to ensure that the Enquiry provides conveyancers with the most up-to-date information available when advising their clients on the impact of water and waste water networks in relation to property purchases.

In summary the key changes are:

• Inclusion of details on private pumping stations
• Impact of sustainable drainage systems (SUDs) on newly adopted sewerage networks
• Removal of water quality information as this is not property specific; however this information will still be available on individual water companies’ websites
• Provision of water hardness information.

The updated CON29DW will be implemented by DWSN members over the coming months with a view to all members using the updated form by 4th July 2016 when the Law Society launch their revised CON29 and CON29O forms.

The following companies have launched the new version:

• 9 May – Thames Water Property Searches
• 16 May – Geodesys, SafeMove, Southern Water LandSearch, Source for Searches

The following companies will launch around the dates below:

• 23 May – Northumbrian Water Property Solutions, United Utilities Property Searches
• 27 June – Severn Trent Searches
• 30 June – Wessex Searches