We operate and maintain several sewage treatment facilities and water pumping stations across the region.
Sewage treatment plants
The council is responsible for the following sewage treatment plants:
- Five Ash, Witchampton
- Wimborne St Giles
- Haythorne
- Woodlands East
- Woodlands West
- Cashmoor
- Cowgrove
- Woodcutts (A and B)
- Hinton Martell
- Horton Heath
- Downlea, Witchampton
Pumping stations
Council-maintained pumping stations include:
- Moors Valley Country Park Visitor Centre
- Moors Valley Country Park Railway Station
- Walford Mill, Wimborne
- Dorset Centre of Excellence, Shaftesbury
Reporting issues with council-owned installations
If you notice a problem at any council-owned sewage treatment plant or pumping station, please contact Dorset Council’s main telephone number (01305 221000). Make sure to confirm the site name - each location is listed above and marked with a Dorset Council sign near the plant or access gate.
Common issues include:
- a flashing light on top of the kiosk, indicating a fault
- sewage spilling from one of the site chambers
Drains
Property owners are generally responsible for drains within their property boundary, although in some cases this responsibility may extend beyond it. Where drains are shared, Wessex Water is usually responsible unless the drainage network is managed by a Housing Association or Dorset Council. Before arranging repairs, check with your building insurance provider, as you may be covered. Some companies also offer specific drain blockage and defect insurance.
If you rent your property, your landlord should handle unblocking and repairs to private drains when needed.
Sewers
Sewers - the pipes that carry wastewater away from properties - are managed by the water company. For more details on responsibilities, visit the Wessex Water website.
Privately owned sewers are the responsibility of the owner, such as a landlord, Housing Association or Dorset Council.
Road Gullies
Road gullies collect surface water from roads.
What not to dispose of down your sink or toilet
Never dispose of certain items or liquids down sinks or toilets, even if labelled “disposable.” These can damage the sewage treatment process, disrupt operations, and may lead to costly repairs or temporary closures.
Avoid disposing of:
- bandages, plasters, dental floss
- chemicals (e.g., white spirit, paint cleaners, thinners)
- condoms, tampons, applicators
- cotton buds
- disposable nappies
- medicines
- rags
- razors and blades
- sanitary towels and incontinence pads
- syringes and needles
- vegetable oil, fats, and vehicle oil