Both metered and unmeasured (unmetered) customer bills have a standing charge element. This standing charge is a fixed charge which includes the cost of providing a water supply.
For Measured (Metered) Customers the standing charge element is based on the size of the supply pipe to your property. For Unmeasured customers the standing charge element is a fixed rate.
More details of charge bands can be found in:
Your Bill Explained
Your bill will be based on the particular services you receive from us, how much water you use as a metered customer or the rateable value of your property if you are unmetered.
- Your unmetered water bill explained. PDF
- Your metered water bill explained. PDF
- Your Trade Effluent water bill explained. PDF
Measured (Metered Customer Information)
If you have a meter fitted the volumetric element of your bill will be based on the readings from it. The volumetric charge is calculated by multiplying your water use in cubic metres for the billing period by the price per cubic metre. Meters are normally read on a 6 monthly frequency and bills are issued accordingly. Bills are based on the actual usage shown on the meter. If a reading is not available, the usage will be estimated based on previous consumption.
To help with early leak detection we recommend that you take regular readings as you are liable to pay for all water registered through the meter. A significant increase in your consumption may indicate leakage on your supply.
Customers receiving an estimated bill may read their meters, where it is practical to do so, and let us know the actual consumption within 7 days, by telephoning our Billing line on 0345 877 0030. This meter reading will also be used to calculate the charges for the disposal and treatment of your waste water. A new bill will be issued to you based on the reading you provide.
Charges are also incurred for the disposal and treatment of waste water.
These Sewerage charges will also be included on your bill. This is dependent on the Sewerage services provided.
The sewerage element is also be made up of 2 parts:
- A standing charge – which is fixed and based on your water supply pipe size
- A variable charge – which is based on the water you use. To do this we assume that 95% of the water we supply is returned to the sewerage system.
Unmeasured (Unmetered) Customer Information
For customers that do not have a meter fitted the bill is calculated based on the rateable Net Annual Value (NAV) of your property as assessed by Land and Property Services (LPS). Unmeasured customers are billed once a year, usually in April or May.
Standard Rated and Unrated Charges
Where customers occupy a rated property, which is used for non-domestic purposes but where metering is either not reasonably practical, or involves undue expense to the customer, and the customer has not previously refused the installation of a water meter, NIW will offer an alternative standard rated property charge. This charge will comprise of a standing charge element only.
Where an unrated property is using water for non-domestic purposes and metering is not possible, NIW will apply a standard unrated property charge. This charge will comprise of two elements: a standing charge and a set volumetric charge.
VAT Classification
Depending on the nature of the main non-domestic activity at premises served by NI Water, you may be liable for VAT against water charges. So that your VAT classification can be assessed and updated if required, print our VAT Classification Form, complete and return.
Charges for the reception, disposal and treatment of foul water, sewerage and trade effluent are zero-rated.
Allowances Available
There are 2 main allowances available to NI Water customers that may reduce bills. These are domestic allowance and leakage allowance:
Domestic Water and Sewerage Allowance
A domestic water and sewerage allowance may be available to measured customers when their supply serves a property where rates are payable. This is subtracted from the volume recorded by the meter, before calculating the volumetric water and sewerage charges. Customers can apply for this allowance by contacting NIW. We may require proof of your rateable status to confirm eligibility.
Non Return to Sewer Allowance
For measured customers, sewerage volumetric charges are based on the volume of water recorded through the meter, less a standard non-return to sewer allowance of 5%.
Where more than 5% of the water supplied is not returned to the sewer, customers may apply for an increased allowance against the total volumetric charge. Any allowance granted will be applied from the date NIW receives a fully completed application form and will not be applied retrospectively.
In most cases NIW will require customers to install their own meters to record water used for certain activities where the water is not returned to a sewer after use.
After an allowance has been granted the onus is on the customer to notify NIW of any changes which may affect the percentage of water returned to the sewer.
To apply for a higher non-return to sewer allowance please complete and return the application form
Leakage Allowance
Leakage Responsibilities, Allowances and Costs
Moving or Ceasing Trading
You are responsible for notifying us if you are moving premises or ceasing trading. Please tell us at least two working days before you leave or you will be liable for any charges up to the date of whichever happens first:
- 28 days after you tell us;
- The day when the meter would normally next be read; or
- The day when someone else tells us that they are taking responsibility for the supply.
You should also phone us on the day you leave to provide a final reading. We will close your account on the basis of a meter reading you provide, or if you cannot do that, on the basis of an estimate if you agree.
Further guidance and information regarding Billing and Metering can be found in the document below, which can be printed for future reference.
Billing and Metering for Non Domestic Customers Code of Practice