As a business you will pay water rates for your sites. There are three main elements to these water charges, water, waste water/sewerage, and site/surface drainage. In addition you may also pay for the handling of trade effluent.

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Water charge

This covers the provision of a clean, fresh water supply. If you have a water meter, the charge is based on your recorded water use; if you have an unmetered supply, it’s based on the rateable value of your property.

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Waste Water/Sewerage Charge

As well as the fixed charge for the meter, this charge is for cleaning and treating the water that goes down your drains. Again, it’s worked out differently depending on whether you are a metered or unmetered customer.

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Site/Surface Drainage Charges

This charge covers the cost of collecting and treating rainwater, and bringing it back into the supply system. It’s made up of two elements:

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1. Property charge – for rainwater that drains from your property

2. Roads charge – your contribution to the public roads drainage system. (Only applicable in Scotland)

 

Trade Effluent Charges

If your business has a trade effluent consent, you’ll receive a separate bill for this. It covers the cost of treating and disposing of what can be harmful waste.