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)

Relevant multiplier
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.