Water rates exemption - Water rates

Foul and surface water, private drains and public sewers, land drains and soakaways, filter drains and any other ways of getting rid of water.
Post Reply
astro
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun Aug 31, 2008 2:43 pm
Location: soke-on-trent

Post: # 34266Post astro

I've got 2 garages that are constructed within my boundary but some way from the house. Ever since I've lived there the water board have sent me seperate bills for these, one for each garage. Now neither has a water supply or connection to the sewer for rain water run off, all of the rainwater from the roofs drains onto my land and does not find its way back to the storm drain. Now I only have to pay £12 for each per year but now I'm thinking, why the hell should I pay anything? What are my chances in getting them exempt? anyone had any experience of this?

thanks

flowjoe
Posts: 1136
Joined: Sun May 08, 2005 9:25 am
Location: North West

Post: # 34271Post flowjoe

Funny you should mention this astro as i have been working on a church in Liverpool today mapping the drainage system for an architect, useless utilities turned up to discuss the very same subject with the vicar because charities/churches are no longer exempt.

I have been involved on a couple of industrial sites where U.U were charging for water that we proved ran to soak-aways , rivers or brooks, but i do not know the final outcome.

Speak to Severn Trent and ask them if you prove you are not connected to a sewer will you be exempt (its probably on their website) and if you can get it in writing. You will then need an independant contractor to visit site and put a report together, which i could help with if required.

HTH
http://draindomain.com

Many paths can lead to riches, few in sunlight, some in ditches

astro
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun Aug 31, 2008 2:43 pm
Location: soke-on-trent

Post: # 34272Post astro

not sure about the need for an independant contractor, UU just said I need to prove that my water does not enter the main sewer. I can do that myself, I know the exact routes of all my drains because barring a couple of metres, I've changed the lot. Just wanted to know the chances of sucess against this faceless wonder or am I just banging my head against a wall

flowjoe
Posts: 1136
Joined: Sun May 08, 2005 9:25 am
Location: North West

Post: # 34273Post flowjoe

What we have to except here is that we are not dealing with normal every day folk.

Your best bet is to try and meet up on site with an inspector and see if common sense and straight talking works, the problem is their mind set is `you would say that woudn`t you`regarding the outfall. This is why they ask for an independant report.

Bless em !
http://draindomain.com

Many paths can lead to riches, few in sunlight, some in ditches

Dave_L
Site Admin
Posts: 4732
Joined: Fri Jul 28, 2006 8:47 pm
Location: Somerset
Contact:

Post: # 34293Post Dave_L

I think just a statement from you to the effect "All my storm water goes to a soakaway/river etc" will be fine.

Whether the Authority will come and verify this, I don't know. All you can do is try!
RW Gale Ltd - Civils & Surfacing Contractors based in Somerset

See what we get up to Our Facebook page

astro
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun Aug 31, 2008 2:43 pm
Location: soke-on-trent

Post: # 34303Post astro

Just had the form through in the post. took me 20 minutes to explain to the numpty at severn trent about my situation only for them to say that I've still got to pay. looking at the bumf on the form and a little passage at the end states 'if you are not connected to the sewer then you should not have to pay anything ,please ring customer services for more advice'
Jesus, where do they get these people from?

Post Reply