Water and sewerage rates for businesses
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1. Water
You鈥檒l have to pay for any water your business uses, and for the drainage of water and effluent (liquid waste) from your premises.
regulates the water industry in England and Wales. There are different regulators in and
How you鈥檒l be charged
You鈥檒l be charged either:
- for the water you use, plus a set charge (if you鈥檝e got a meter)
- a set amount, usually based on the value of your property
Your business could be eligible for a , meaning your water might be cheaper. This is because it often costs less to supply larger businesses.
2. Sewerage and effluent
You鈥檒l be charged for any 鈥榝oul sewerage鈥� (such as wastewater from a toilet or kitchen) and drainage from your property. The amount you pay is usually linked to how much water you use.
You鈥檒l also have to pay for any effluent (liquid waste) you produce. Effluent is water contaminated with things like:
- fats, oils and grease
- chemicals
- food waste
The amount your water supplier will charge is usually based on the amount and strength of the effluent before it reaches the sewer.
Sewerage charges can either appear on your water bill or your effluent bill, depending on your supplier.
3. Choosing a supplier
You may be able to choose your water and sewerage service provider depending on where your business is.
In England and Wales you can check with Ofwat whether you can
In Scotland choose your supplier from
In Northern Ireland you can鈥檛 choose your own supplier - water is supplied by