FAQ: Repair works sewer system

The underground municipal sewer system in The Hague is more than 1,300 km long and is continuously being monitored and maintained. Weak and damaged parts of the system are routinely replaced in order to prevent greater damage to the system. Quite often this involves road works and other disruptions for area residents. This article addresses some of the most frequently asked questions about repair works.

1. Why replace the sewer?

The sewer system is replaced when it no longer meets technical and environmental standards. The usually happens in The Hague after 80 to 100 years. Occasionally the sewer system is replaced earlier if it needs to be extended or for safety and environmental reasons. To avoid extra disruptions, such projects are usually coordinated with road maintenance works, repairs to the gas mains or drinking water pipes or work on the tram tracks.

2. How are the works organised?

The municipality is responsible for maintaining the sewer system. Maintenance is covered by the annual sewage tax paid by residents of The Hague. A contractor carries out the replacement works and the municipality supervises the project.

3. Will I be able to reach my home during repairs?

Your home will always be accessible via the sidewalk and occasionally via wooden boards. Since the sewer system is usually replaced in phases, part of the street will become accessible again while the project continues farther up the street. Persons with limited mobility can contact the supervisor for more information and support.

4. Where can I park during repairs?

During repairs the street is usually broken up, making parking impossible. In such cases you will have to park elsewhere in the neighbourhood. Holders of special parking permits, such as doctors and handicapped people, can contact the supervisor of the works to find the closest possible temporary parking space.

5. Will my rubbish be collected during repair works?

Yes, but the garbage trucks will not be able to collect the rubbish in front of your door if the street is broken up. You can set out your rubbish at the temporary waste disposal spots marked by the signs 'Aanbiedplaats huisvuil'. These signs will indicate the places that can still be reached by the garbage trucks.

6. Will my connection to the sewer system also be replaced?

Yes. The municipality is responsible for the part of your sewer connection which is located in the public domain. This part of your connection will be replaced together with the public sewer system and paid for by the municipality. Home owners, however, are responsible for maintaining the house connection within the borders of their property.

7. Can I still flush water down the sewer system during repairs?

Yes. You can use your sinks, toilets and showers during repairs, even while your connection to the system is being replaced. Occasionally it’s better to limit your use of water. Should this be the case, you will be informed ahead of time. This limitation usually lasts a maximum of one day.

8. Do repair works cause a lot of inconvenience?

The repairs to the sewer system often go hand in hand with heavy vibrations and loud noises produced by excavators and drilling equipment. Pumps and generators also produce noise, possibly disrupting your sleep at night. However, every effort will be taken to minimise such disruptions.

9. Will the repair works affect the trees in my street?

All repair and maintenance works are carefully planned in consultation with the environmental department of the municipality. Utmost care is taken not to damage any trees.

10. Will the repair works lead to dangerous situations in my street?

Work on the sewer system is carried out with great attention to safety. Not only the safety of the workers, but also that of the residents and motorists and cyclists is taken into consideration. Temporary changes to the traffic situation will be clearly indicated by signs and a road blockade, if necessary. The work terrain will be fenced off for greater safety, limiting public access. Still we ask everyone to be extra cautious in order to prevent possible accidents.

Additional information

If the sewer system will be replaced in your street, you will receive a letter well in advance with more details about the timeframe and contact information.

For general questions you can contact the Municipal Contact Centre (gemeente Den Haag) by calling 14 070.