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Surface Water Charges
DARYALS
Posts: 70 Forumite
in Water bills
OK, I may get this wrong so apologies! Is the surface water charge only applicable for rain water draining into the sewers? If so then whats stopping me simply diverting all the rain water into a big barrel and using it on the garden?
Is this possible and would it remove the charge? This may be a daft question, apologies!!!
Is this possible and would it remove the charge? This may be a daft question, apologies!!!
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Quite possible and it would remove the charge.0
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thanks mate, I think I'll start to look into it!0
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No I am afraid that will not be allowed. It has been tried and rejected by the water companies. In fact someone also posted on this forum that they had tried and failed in that action.
If they allowed it, then you would be able to remove the 'big barrel' after you had had the charge stopped(their reasoning - which is valid)
Also it is not just water from the gutters that they consider. It is water that falls on the ground that can find its way into the drains or running onto the roads.
Please don't misunderstand me, I think the charge is quite wrong, and that they impose the charge as the 'default' position is a disgrace. However I don't think you will have much success with your scheme; but if you do - let everyone know please!!0 -
Worth a try! :rotfl:0
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I’ve recently been advised by someone in the water industry that a large number of properties don’t have their surface water connected to the sewage system and as such are not required to pay the charge. However, as this charge is automatically added to all water bills, £18 for Thames Water, it is up to the individual paying the bill to ask for a refund.
I know companies lay their bills out differently but on the back of ours there is a small statement top right of the page that gives an 0845 number to ring. One quick call gets the ball rolling and the water company will then check their records to see if your connected or not. They then write to you after a short while telling you if you were successful and returning the fee if you were.
I’ve just requested mine and I’m still waiting for a response but what really grips me about this is they can tell from their own record if you need to pay the fee yet they still include it on your bill. I just dread to think how much money they have made from this over the years. It appears that if you’re entitled to a refund you can only claim for the current year.
Why not give it a go, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Regards
Space Cadet.Short Arms Deep Pockets0 -
space_cadet wrote: »I’ve just requested mine and I’m still waiting for a response but what really grips me about this is they can tell from their own record if you need to pay the fee yet they still include it on your bill. I just dread to think how much money they have made from this over the years. It appears that if you’re entitled to a refund you can only claim for the current year.
The situation is more complicated than you say.
There have been a mass of threads on this. May I suggest you read this one first.
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=399560
Whilst it is true that the majority of properties do not have surface water drainage into the sewer(or onto the public roads), you are not correct that the water companies can determine this from their records.
When you apply for a rebate from this charge, they will need to have an inspection of your property. That said, in many cases they will simply see if any properties nearby have had the rebate and not bother with an inspection. e.g. If you are on a modern estate where others are not paying that charge.
It is not a money-maker for the water companies; if they lose revenue from that charge the Regulator will allow them to increase other charges to compensate.
That said, of course anyone entitled to the rebate should apply for it.0 -
I have just rang Anglian Water to enquire whether I had sewage water drainage into the sewer and the women kept on asking me where my pipes went, I said I wasnt sure but could she check for me on her records and she said she cant do that, she said look on the deeds of the property, but I privately rent, so she says ring your landlord, I said I cant he is abroad, I ask cant you do an inspection, no she says but I can send you a leaflet showing you what to look out for so I can decided myself what I have, I say no I want to bypass that and apply for a rebate, she says well I will send you out a leaflet, I say no I want to apply for a rebate so will your leaflet come with an application form, and she said well I will send you a leaflet , !!!!!! ????
I just cant believe that my water and sewage is more monthly than my gas and electricy bill :mad:0 -
I have just rang Anglian Water to enquire whether I had sewage water drainage into the sewer and the women kept on asking me where my pipes went, I said I wasnt sure but could she check for me on her records and she said she cant do that, she said look on the deeds of the property, but I privately rent, so she says ring your landlord, I said I cant he is abroad, I ask cant you do an inspection, no she says but I can send you a leaflet showing you what to look out for so I can decided myself what I have, I say no I want to bypass that and apply for a rebate, she says well I will send you out a leaflet, I say no I want to apply for a rebate so will your leaflet come with an application form, and she said well I will send you a leaflet , !!!!!! ????
I just cant believe that my water and sewage is more monthly than my gas and electricy bill :mad:
Just fill out the form, say your Uncle Bob(the Builder!) inspected it and your water goes into a soakaway.
They will either accept that or send someone out to inspect.0 -
if you put your water into a soakaway you are entitled to up to 40% of your water bill also you can save your gray water into a permanant storage tank and you can plumb it in to your system so you flush your toilet with it.
in these days of recycling contact your local authority to see if there are grants available i am in the process of building a house (scotland) there are outlays to start with but the savings outweigh the cost
do not be put off you have rights
the water companies are there to make profit why should you pay there shareholders when you don't have to0
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