Do I have the right to a mains water supply?

[scundered]

I am trying to access a connection to the mains water supply which is in an adjacent field but the landowner has refused me permission to do so. The alternative is to go quite a way along the side of a road and then across the road. This will cost thousands. Can he deny me access?

[Ethel]

Yes he can, unless you have rights over his land which will be clearly stated on your Registered Title or deeds.

[jen78]

Is he refusing to let you do it for free or at all or could you negotiate over price?

[terambulan]

It may be something to take up with the Water Board.

Every household is entitled to reasonable access to water.

[buildersmate]

Sorry, Terra, but that is not right. Ethel and Jen are correct. One may well be entitled to a water supply but only when one pays for the connection.

[Ethel]

It is not straightforward though. It would involve digging up his land to lay the pipe, and would prevent any future build in the area of the pipe because the water board does not permit building over mains water pipes in any circumstances.

It would also give you the right to access his land for maintenance and repair in the future.
This could seriously devalue his property.

Don't forget the landowner probably paid a lot of money to get the water to his property originally and he didn't do it for your benefit.

The water pipes would have to show on his Registered Title and Plan and a right would have to be granted to you and subsequent owners of your land.

[buildersmate]

Absolutely right, Ethel. Terra is not correct . I have replied to this post to this effect prior to your recent response but the useless AB system keeps locking me out.