People encouraged to Check if They Are Eligible for Water Charge Exemptions

12.00.00am GMT Mon 30th Nov 2009

For most properties rainwater from buildings and streets ends up in the public sewers but for some this is not the case. Gwent AM Michael German is encouraging the public to check whether they are eligible for water charge exemptions, after learning that 'if none of your rainwater drains to the public sewer then you will be exempt from this element of your charges'.

Commenting, Michael German said, "I am disappointed that this information is not more widely publicised and has only been discovered following a customer's careful reading of Welsh Water's scheme of charging policy.

"At a time when people are feeling the pinch in their pocket and struggling to meet their bill payments, any support that can help to alleviate this pressure should be highlighted by companies, to ease the burden on people at this difficult economic time.

"If someone is aware that surface water from their property is going directly into a local brook, stream or river and not into the sewage system then they can request a Surface Water Drainage Rebate form by calling 0800 052 0149."

Notes:

The following extract comes from Welsh Water's Scheme of Charges;

"The sewerage charge includes a charge for surface water and highway drainage. This covers the cost of draining, treating and disposing of rainwater. If none of your rainwater drains to the public sewer then you will be exempt from this element of your charges. A Surface Water Drainage Rebate form can be requested by calling 0800 052 0149. The effective date of any claim will be 1 April of the charge year in which the Company receives the application. For most customers we assume that almost all water returns to the sewer except, for example, that used for drinking, cooking or watering the garden. If you believe that less than 95% of your water returns to the sewer and you can prove this by measurement, you can claim a reduction in your sewerage charges. Application forms for a non-return to sewer allowance can be obtained by calling 0800 052 0145. The effective date of any claim is 1 April of the charge year in which the claim is received."