Celebrating 10 years of DWSN

DWSN, the Drainage and Water Searches Network, is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. Back in 2002, the CON29DW conveyancing search was launched as a comprehensive drainage and water search for homebuyers. Before this, there were just two drainage and water questions homebuyers would receive as part of the Local Authority search. The CON29DW was developed by the Law Society, in partnership with government departments and the water industry. In 2014, the DWSN was created as an industry body to support the producers of the CON29DW and uphold the standards of the report. They work with industry experts and stakeholders to ensure robust standardised products that are developed specifically for either the commercial or residential markets.

‍So, what does it mean to be part of the DWSN?

For us, it means that we are held accountable to the high standard put in place by DWSN and adhere to their code of practice. This framework means that we must provide minimum levels of professional indemnity cover, and appropriate use of product logos such as the DWSN logo. Additionally, it includes robust guidelines for complaints handling, adherence to legislation, regulations and industry standards, and maintaining exemplary professional conduct. All of this ensures that we are providing you and your client with the best data available.

For you as a conveyancer, it means that you can be confident you are doing your due diligence for clients. The CON29DW is Law Society-approved and gives thorough answers to 23 questions ranging from the risk of internal flooding to the location of water meters. DWSN members also work towards a quick turnaround time of their reports, without compromising the level of information included or the customer service. Nationally the CON29DW has an average turnaround time of 1 day, 22 hours and 47 minutes. In the Anglian Water region, where we produce the CON29DW, we are proud to have a turnaround time of 9 hours and 7 minutes*. We know that a quick turnaround time helps to avoid costly delays.

For your clients, they can be confident that they are receiving the most accurate and up-to-date information. We use information provided by Anglian Water to produce the report, which is presented in an easy-to-read, interactive document with a summary title page. This makes the report easy to interpret and navigate. Buying a house can be overwhelming and confusing, with so much information to process, so our CON29DW Residential report has been created with the homebuyer in mind.

‍Jonny Davey, Business Development Manager and Geodesys DWSN Representative, is a keen advocate for the CON29DW and had this to say about the anniversary.

"In a lovely piece of synergy, I happened to join the searches industry 10 years ago and stepped right into the world of the DWSN and its activities. The true partnership between such a high-quality organisation and its members has helped to drive up my own standards, and those of the company I represent, again and again.  

The resulting high levels of service for all our clients, both at the Solicitor and Conveyancer level and at the homeowners and property buyers leve, continues to improve.

Being such a standard bearer of excellence will continue to serve me and the other members of DWSN – and the people we deliver to – well into the next 10 years and beyond.”

Join us in celebrating this significant anniversary for DWSN and the conveyancing industry.

*Based on the average turnaround time in May.