Section 24 – Notice of works affecting water supply and fire hydrants
42.This section re-enacts sections 16(1) to (3) of the 1947 Act and requires any person who proposes to carry out any works for the purpose of supplying water to any part of the area of a relevant authority to give written notice to the authority under subsection (1). The notice period for doing so is either 14 days in a case where proposed works are to be carried out under a requirement under any enactment other than the Water (Scotland) Act 1980, or 6 weeks in any other case. A person proposing to carry out any works affecting a fire hydrant is required to give at least seven days’ notice in writing.
43.Under subsection (4), if it is not practicable for written notice to be given in accordance with the timescales set out in subsections (1) and (3), the person is regarded as having given such notice if it is given as soon as practicable. It is an offence under subsection (5), if, without reasonable excuse, a person fails to give notice as required. Under subsection (6) a person is liable on summary conviction to a maximum of a level 5 fine.