Comments on: Undertaking sewers

By: Darren Ball

Darren Ball — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:06:46 +0000

I’m such an incorrigible nerd sometimes but…

The definitions are to be found in BS 6100 which defines “sewerage” thus: A network of pipes or channels to convey foul sewage and /or storm water from a developed area.

None of this justifies the existence of the word “sewerage” however when we have the simpler word “sewers”, which means precisely the same thing.

By: lynneguist

lynneguist — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:30:18 +0000

For what it’s worth, I say ’sewage’ and would have regarded it as a speech error if I’d heard anyone say ’sewerage’. But I don’t know many people who talk about the pipes.

‘Undertaker’ originally just meant anyone who undertakes a job for anyone else. Among the funeral profession (in the US), the word is frowned upon. I’m quite happy to see someone reclaiming it!