Key

1. Climate change is likely to increase the intensity of rainfall we get.
2. Rain falling on hard surfaces that do not drain water naturally (like roofs or asphalt), runs off.
3. Run-off enters the public sewers.
4. Under the old method of charging, customers had no incentive to reduce the volume surface water entering the public sewer.
5. If too much surface water enters the public sewer, it can cause flooding.

Surface water drainage charges are not new

Some people believe that surface water drainage charges are new. In fact, there has always been a cost associated with removing and processing rainwater that falls on properties and then flows directly or indirectly into the public drainage systems. This cost has always been passed on to customers through their bills. What is new, is that more companies are now charging by surface area

Water companies do not benefit from changing the way they charge for surface water drainage

When charging systems change for customers, there is sometimes the feeling that it is because it is in the water companies’ interests. With the move to charging by surface area for surface water drainage, some customers will pay more, and some customers will pay less. The overall income for the companies concerned remains the same under the new system.

Organisations have never been exempt from surface water drainage charges

When organisations previously had very low or no charges, they may have thought that they were exempt from water and sewerage charges. In fact, there has never been an exemption from water charges under law for any organisation. No customer is exempt from paying water and sewerage charges if they receive a service. If certain organisations had very low or no charges this was because they had an artificially low or zero rateable value.

For more information see Exemptions from water charges.

Ofwat cannot decide to exempt certain groups from charges

Some people would like us to exempt certain groups from water and sewerage charges. Our approach on surface water drainage charges is in keeping with the Government's strategy. In 2000 the Secretary of State issued guidance to us on matters to be taken into account when agreeing companies’ charges schemes. This included charging non-household users that are not businesses including places of worship, community facilities, charities and voluntary bodies. The guidance stated that those making similar demands on a service should be charged on the same basis.

A decision to exclude certain groups of customers from these charges would require a government decision and changes in the law.

For more information see Exemptions from water charges.

Organisations can reduce their surface water drainage charges

Surface water drainage charges based on site area are only payable for areas that drain, directly or indirectly, into public sewers.

Therefore areas where water does not run off to a drain, such as church yards or playing fields, are not subject to the charge. This can mean that the cost of site-area charges for organisations such as churches and sports clubs are significantly reduced. Where a water company has not taken account of such features the customer may notify the company, which should then make the adjustment.

For more information see Reducing your surface water charges.