Large user criterion for new appointments
The large user criterion applies to an area in which each of the premises of one or more customers will be supplied with at least 50 megalitres (Ml) of water in England a year. By this we mean that your customer either
- currently uses at least 50Ml of water in any 12 month period, or
- is likely to use at least 50Ml of water in the next 12 month period.
The same rules apply in Wales but the threshold is 250Ml.
The same criterion applies to new appointments for sewerage services (for the amount of water supplied, not effluent discharged).
The volume likely to be supplied is assessed using either
- historical meter readings, or
- evidence of likely future demand.
Future demand should be used where
- it is likely to be significantly different from past consumption, or
- no past consumption data exists
Reserved water
Any volume of water for which a reservation (or standby) charge is made cannot be included in the 50Ml, nor can any water which is under-recorded by the meter(s).
Supplied by two or more water companies
Where the customer is supplied by two or more existing appointed water companies, the volume supplied can be combined for determining water usage, provided the proposed new appointment is intended to supply at least 50 Ml of water annually (250 Ml in Wales).
Potable and non-potable supplies
Potable and non-potable supplies can be combined to reach the 50 Ml threshold (250 Ml in Wales).
