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Businesses connected to the public sewer system must pay sewerage charges. These charges cover the cost of wastewater and drainage services. There are two parts to sewerage charges:

• a standing charge is a fixed fee based on your water supply pipe size
• a variable charge is based on the volume of wastewater discharged

Measured sewerage charges

If your business has a water meter, sewerage charges are calculated based on the water you use, minus an allowance for water that does not return to the sewer (standard non-return allowance is 5%). The standing charge depends on the size of your supply pipe.

Non-return to sewer allowance

The standard non-return allowance is 5%, but businesses can apply for a higher allowance if more water is used but not returned to the sewer.

For more information, see .

Domestic allowance for eligible businesses

If your business pays business rates, you may qualify for a domestic allowance of 95m³ every six months. This allowance reduces the volume of water charged for sewerage. To apply for the domestic allowance, and provide proof of your rateable status.

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Unmeasured sewerage charges

If you do not have a water meter, sewerage charges are based on your property’s rateable value with a fixed standing charge. There is a cap on the total charges to protect customers from excessive bills. For more information, see .

Assessed sewerage charges

Where installing a meter is not practical or too costly, NI Water offers assessed charges. These include a standing charge, and a variable charge calculated from the water-using appliances on your property. Domestic allowances may also apply if you pay business rates.

How to reduce sewerage costs

Reducing your water consumption lowers both water and sewerage bills. Simple steps include fixing leaks, using water-efficient equipment, and monitoring your meter regularly. See reduce your water, sewerage, and effluent costs and .

Discharging to surface water drains

If your business discharges anything other than clean water into surface water drains or watercourses, check if you need permission from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency to prevent water pollution. For more information, see preventing water pollution.