Infrastructure charges
As part of your quotation for a new connection, you may also be charged for water and sewage infrastructure charges.
What are infrastructure charges?
Infrastructure charges cover the cost of improving our existing network to cope with extra capacity associated with new development.
When are these charges applicable?
The charge will apply if you are:
- Building new premises including houses, flats, commercial premises, institutions and permanent caravans.
- Converting existing premises, e.g., a house into flats
- Connecting existing premises to our network for the first time
- Connections can be direct to our systems or via private mains, drains or sewers.
Domestic premises
The total amount payable would be calculated by multiplying the number of additional units by the relevant unit rate charge.
Commercial premises
In the case of commercial premises, the amount payable would be calculated by using the ‘Relevant Multiplier’. This takes the number and type of water fittings that will be used within the premises which is then multiplied by the load unit (see example below)
| Water fitting appliance | Loading units |
|---|---|
| WC flusing cistern | 2 |
| Wash basin in a house | 1.5 |
| Wash basin elsewhere | 3 |
| Urinal | 3 |
| Bath (tap nominal size 3/4"/20mm) | 10 |
| Bath (tap nominal size more than 3/4"/20mm) | 22 |
| Shower | 3 |
| Sink (tap nominal size 1/2"/15mm) | 3 |
| Sink (tap nominal size more than 1/2"/15mm) | 5 |
| Spray tap | 0.5 |
| Bidet | 1.5 |
| Domestic appliance (subject to min allowance of six loading units per accommodation unit) | 3 |
| Communal or commercial appliance not listed in table | 10 |
| Any other water fitting or outlet (including a tap - but excluding a urinal or water softener) | 3 |
| Swimming pool | 24 |
Note: Where a live connection to the site existed within the five years preceding redevelopment, you will only pay for the net increase, e.g. where a single house is converted into four flats, you’ll pay for three flats.
Environmental discount scheme
We offer a range of environmental incentives to encourage sustainable development. These reduce the load on our networks, encourage better water efficiency in the home, help our customers save water, and reduce the risk of sewer flooding.
The incentives are available as credits against water supply and sewerage infrastructure charges, which are payable where a connection to our network is made for the first time; or where an existing property is converted or re-developed.
Find out more about building sustainable homes