Frequently Asked Questions - Billing.
Metered Billing
Q.How do you calculate my charges if I am on a water meter?
The charges for metered water consist of five factors.
Chargeable volume of water - Relates to the usage of water registered through the meter.
Current charge = 82.23 pence per cubic metre
Water standing charge - Relates to the size of the meter and covers the cost of reading, billing, maintaining and in due course replacing the meter.
Current charge = £26.60 per annum
Used water relates to volume of water registered through the meter. It is assumed that the volume of ‘water in’ equals the volume of ‘water out’.
Current charge = £81.20 pence per cubic metre
Sewerage standing chargerelates to the costs incurred by Severn Trent Water Ltd not attributable to the consumption registered through the meter.
Current charge = £11.36 per annum
Surface water drainage charge relates to removal and treatment of the water that falls as rain onto roofs, yards and other parts of the property. This is an annual charge based on the property type
Please note that sewerage and surface water drainage charges are collected by South Staffordshire Water on behalf of Severn Trent Water.
For more detailed information please read our full Scheme of Charges.
For more detailed information about surface water drainage charges, follow this LINK.
Q.How frequently do you read my meter?
A.Every year you will receive 4 bills, spread out during the year and at least one of these we will aim to make a company read.
Q.What happens if I receive an estimated bill?
A.If you would prefer to provide us with the actual reading to ensure that you are billed accurately then you can call us with your reading on 0800 62 60 60, or Submit an Online Reading here. We will then send you a revised bill based on that reading.
Unmetered Billing
Q.How do you calculate my charges when I am not on a water meter?
A.You will be charged in one of two ways, Rateable Value or assessed charges.
Q.Why is my bill higher than my neighbours?
A.If you don’t have a water meter your charges will be based the rateable value (RV) that was set before 1989 by the valuation office of your local council who set a separate RV for each property based on how much rent might be charged.
Q.Can I appeal against my RV?
A.No, the Valuation Office will no longer handle appeals about RV.
Q.Can I have a discount for being a single occupier?
A.No, as the RV (rateable value) does not take into consideration the number of occupiers. However, if your water consumption is low you may wish to consider having a meter installed, which we will arrange for you free of charge, please call Integra Utility Services on 0845 456 7063 if you require additional information. If you decide during the first year of having the meter installed that you wish to go back to being charged by RV then you can do so..
Q.I believe I can claim lower sewerage charges, what should I do?
A.For most customers, the rain that falls onto the roofs, yards and other parts of their property drains as surface water to the public sewers. The cost of removing rainwater in this way is included in the sewerage charges on your bill. But there are some properties where surface water or groundwater does not drain to the public and so a reduction in your bill may be applicable.
If you are able to demonstrate that no surface water or groundwater from your property drains to the public sewer (directly or indirectly) you can pay a lower sewerage charge. If surface water (such as rainwater) from any part of your property drains to the public sewer you must pay full charges.
If you believe that you are due a reduction in your charges and would like to make a claim for a reduction please follow this link to the Surface Water Drainage booklet/application form.