Large user tariffs for foul sewage
Water and sewerage companies offer separate foul sewerage tariffs that apply only to large or intermediate users. These generally consist of:
- a fixed charge (which may be bigger for higher discharge thresholds)
- a standard volumetric rate for foul sewage discharged up to the threshold value for the tariff
- a lower than standard volumetric rate for foul sewage discharged over the threshold value for the tariff
The amount of foul sewage discharged is estimated from the amount of water used, less an allowance for water that does not return to the sewer.
A customer is considered a large or intermediate user by their water company if they are likely to use more water than a threshold value. This value varies from company to company. However, all customers who are likely to use more than 50 Ml (250 Ml in Wales) are considered large customers.
The principles that each company should apply when setting large user tariffs for water should also apply when it sets large user tariffs for foul sewage or trade effluent. Companies typically justify their large user tariffs for foul sewage or trade effluent on the basis that they use the reception and conveyance part of the service less.
For further information about foul sewerage charges for large or intermediate users you should contact your water company.
