Surface water drainage charges

Southern Water's wastewater standing charge for properties connected to the public sewers includes an amount for disposing of surface water.

Surface water is rainwater which runs off roofs and paved areas and also includes water that drains to the public sewer from activities such as car washing.

The Surface Water Drainage Charge covers the cost of taking away and treating this water and includes water that flows through gutters or which simply runs into the road and ends up in a Southern Water sewer.

If the surface water from your property enters a public sewer then you will have to pay the charge.

Most properties are connected to a public sewer, particularly houses built in the last 40 years.

However, there is not always a connection to the public sewers for the surface water, because the water from the roof and run-off from driveways may go into a soakaway.

A soakaway is where the run-off rainwater is piped to a large underground pit filled with gravel within the boundary of the property, normally 10 to 15 feet away from the house foundations.

If the surface water from your property goes to a soakaway and none of it enters the public sewers, then you can claim a rebate for the current charging year onwards.

This is currently £22 a year for domestic customers.

To claim a rebate call 0845 279 0845 and record your details, or alternatively complete this form.

Once your claim has been agreed you will automatically receive the rebate each year, although it cannot be backdated to earlier years.

Highway drainage charges

Rainwater from highways drains into the public sewers and then becomes our responsibility.

Properties connected to the public sewer are liable for the highway drainage charge.