Do you pay water charges in Northern Ireland?

Whilst water and sewer companies were privatised in England and Wales in 1989, these services remained public in Northern Ireland. For decades domestic water and sewer services in Northern Ireland have been provided without charges to customers. Only non-residential customers received water bills and had water meters.

Who owns Northern Ireland Water?

GoCo
Northern Ireland Water is a Government Owned Company (GoCo), set up in April 2007 to provide the water and sewerage services in Northern Ireland. We deliver clean, safe drinking water to approximately 840,000 households and businesses.

How is NI Water funded?

NI Water does not set its own funding levels. This is done by the independent Utility Regulator. The Department for Infrastructure is the shareholder and owner of NI Water.

Is there VAT on NI Water Bill?

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.

Where does my water come from Northern Ireland?

The Silent Valley reservoir collects water from the Mourne Mountains. It travels through a tunnel, drilled through Slieve Binnian, and into the Silent Valley. The Silent Valley pipe tunnel carries the water on to the city of Belfast in Northern Ireland.

What is a standing charge on a water bill?

The standing charge is fixed. It covers things like the costs to the company of reading and maintaining your water meter. The volumetric charge varies depending on how much water you use. Some companies also charge separately for surface water drainage or highway drainage if these are not included in the other charges.

Who pays water charges in Ireland?

All commercial organisations and non-domestic customers must pay water charges if water is being supplied for their use. Examples of non-domestic customers includes hospitals, health centres, schools and clubs. There are two types of accounts for commercial water charges, metered and unmetered.

When do new water charges come into effect in Northern Ireland?

NI Water has now decided that the increase to non-domestic tariffs, previously deferred, should be introduced with effect from 1 October 2020. As a result, non-domestic water and sewerage charges will increase by 1.7% on average, from 1 October 2020.

Do you pay VAT on water in Northern Ireland?

If you pay business rates on your property then a rateable water and sewerage allowance may be available. 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.

What does standing charge on NI Water Bill mean?

The standing ‘fixed’ charge component of unmeasured charges covers the fixed costs of maintaining the NI Water supply infrastructure to the property. Unmeasured charges by their nature can only reflect estimated consumption.

How does the non return to sewer allowance work?

Non Return to Sewer Allowance 1 A standing charge based on the diameter of the supply pipe; and 2 A variable charge based on volume of water used (this volume is based on the water supplied, less a non-return to sewer… More