Developer Services Charges Scheme
2017-18
South West Water Limited’s Area of Operation
DEVELOPER SERVICES CHARGES 2017/18
Developer Services offer advice and guidance relating to new or modified premises, whether
planning an extension to an existing house or a large new housing or commercial
development.
We have a dedicated team supporting customers to provide a cost-effective service to any
scale of development, from new domestic and commercial developments as well as
agricultural water supplies or replacement water supplies.
This booklet contains details of South West Water’s Developer Services Charges Scheme
for 2017/18. The charges in the Scheme come into force on 1 April 2017. A summary of
charges is given in Appendix I.
The Scheme is made under the provisions of the Water Industry Act 1991 (as amended by
the Water Industry Act 1999 and Water Act 2014). The charges contained in this Scheme
have, where applicable, been approved by the Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat).
All charges in this document exclude VAT unless stated otherwise. VAT will be charged at
the applicable rate.
Further information including application forms can be found on the Developer Services
section of our website www.southwestwater.co.uk/developerservices
This document forms one of five separate charging schemes as set out below.
Household –
Wholesale
charges
NonHousehold –
Wholesale
Charges
Household
Charges
Scheme
2
Non-household
Charges
Scheme
Developer
Services
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1: CHARGES FOR CONNECTING A PROPERTY
TO WATER AND SEWERAGE SERVICES
Page 4
SECTION 2: INFRASTRUCTURE CHARGES
Page 10
SECTION 3: DEVELOPER SERVICES CHARGES
Page 15
SECTION 4: MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
Page 19
APPENDIX 1: SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Page 21
3
SECTION 1: CHARGES FOR CONNECTING A PROPERTY TO WATER AND
SEWERAGE SERVICES
Connections for water
1.1
A water meter will be installed on new connections in accordance with
South West Water’s policy. The water meter remains the property of South West
Water. Where a water meter has been installed a measured tariff will apply - except
where it has been installed for check purposes only in accordance with South West
Water’s policy at the time and a customer has been previously notified of this in
writing.
1.2
Customers requiring connections may choose to undertake all excavation; laying of
pipes up to South West Water’s main; and reinstatement. South West Water will only
undertake the physical connection to the main and installation of the water meter.
Where service pipes are to be laid in a highway, customers will need to obtain the
permission of the Highway Authority to work in the Highway. It may stipulate that
only contractors it approves may work in the highway.
Note: Where South West Water agrees to a connection on a trunk/high pressure
main the applicant may not excavate within 3 metres of the main. South West Water
will undertake the 3 metres of excavation and make the connection based on the cost
of the work.
1.3
South West Water is an approved contractor for working in the highway and will
provide quotes for carrying out work requested by customers. It will use the
standard prices set out below in preparing such quotes. A security payment to the
value of the connection charges are payable in advance of South West Water
undertaking any work.
1.4
A standard connection will be one where:
• the distance between the water main and the customer’s point of connection is
5 metres or less
• the external diameter of the service pipe being connected to the main is not more
than 32mm
• the trench in which the service pipe needs to be laid will have a width of
0.5 metres or less and contain no more than 5 service pipes in total
• the diameter of the water main to which the connection is to be made is 200mm or
less
• the water pressure in the water main to which the connection is to be made is less
than 100 metres/head
• the ground in which the service pipe is to be laid is uncontaminated and does not
have the potential to become contaminated
• the service pipe and/or water main is not of a barrier pipe material
• the connection by South West Water will not be required outside of the hours 0800
to 1730 Monday to Friday
4
1.5
Where it is possible to use a thrust borer rather than excavate a trench, this will be
treated as a non-standard connection. A charge based on standard trenching will be
payable in advance for the connection and the actual cost of the work will be
assessed on completion.
1.6
Connection charges are payable in advance of the Company undertaking any work
(security payment).
1.7
In some instances working in the highway will incur additional fees and costs as a
result of compliance with Highway Authority requirements such as road closures and
traffic management control. All fees and costs incurred by South West Water in
carrying out a connection in such circumstances will be payable in addition to any
standard prices for installing a service connection.
Note: Where South West Water opens ground requiring permanent reinstatement,
the applicant cannot elect to undertake the reinstatement.
1.8
If South West Water has to gain access to third party land or need to seek
permissions from third parties like Network Rail, the costs associated with these will
be payable in addition to any standard charges for installing a service connection
Note: Where an applicant lays private pipework in third party land the applicant must
obtain prior permission from the land owner
1.9
South West Water reserves the right to charge additional amounts for connections
where additional costs are incurred in making the physical connection as a result of
matters that were not evident at the time of providing a quotation for the work.
Standard charges for water connections 2017/18
1.10
Subject to paragraphs 1.7 – 1.9, the following standard charges will apply for
standard connections to be made between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2018 - see
1.23 below:
Onsite Connection(s)
New connection up to 32mm in diameter to a newly laid water main within site
boundary
Connection Only – South West Water carry out connection to main, boundary box
and meter
1.11
Where the applicant is responsible for pipe laying, opening, closing and if necessary
permanently reinstating the trench to the main.
– For 1st connection
– Subsequent connection(s) under same application
at same site location.
–Supply and Fit standard meter only (meter screw in)
5
£290†
£200†
£ 39†
Self Lay Service Connection(s)
1.12
For 1st connection
Subsequent connection(s) at same site location
†
£47*
£30*
Subject to VAT at the standard /reduced rate in certain circumstances (please see page 8)
Standard domestic meter supplied by South West Water
£17*
Offsite Connection(s)
New or replacement connection up to 32mm in diameter to an existing public
water main under section 45 or 55 of the Water Industry Act 1991.
Application Fee
1.13
An application fee will be payable at the time of making an application. The fee is
based on the number of connections required.
For 1st connection
Subsequent connection(s)
£75*
£45*
Connection Only
1.14
Where the applicant is responsible for opening, closing and if necessary permanently
reinstating the trench to the main.
– For 1st connection
£232†
– In addition to the first standard connection up to four further
service pipes may be laid in the same trench at the same time.
For each additional connection the charge will be:
£166†
Connection, Trenchwork, Pipework and Reinstatement
1.15
Where South West Water undertakes the opening and closing of a trench up to
3 metres in length the charge will be:
– For the first connection and all associated trenchwork, pipework and
reinstatement:
(a) trenchwork in verge, unsurfaced, unmade ground
£476 †
(b) trenchwork in a pavement or a footpath
£811†
(c) trenchwork in a road or carriageway
£878†
1.16
Where the connection will involve trenchwork in more than one surface type, the
charge will be based on the predominant surface type.
1.17
In addition to the first standard connection up to four further service pipes may be laid
in the same trench at the same time.
For each additional connection the charge will be
*
†
Subject to VAT at the standard rate (please see section 1)
Subject to VAT at the standard/reduced rate in certain circumstances (please see page 8)
6
£178†
Longer Connections - above 3 metres but not more than 5 metres
1.18
For the first connection, the charge will be the appropriate charge for a three metre
connection listed in paragraph 1.15 plus for each additional metre (or part thereof) of
trenchwork, pipework and reinstatement (up to a maximum length of 5 metres of
service pipe):
(a) in unsurfaced ground
£38†
(b) in a pavement or a footpath
£87†
(c) in a carriageway
£114†
1.19
Where the connection will involve trenchwork in more than one surface type, the
charge will be based on the predominant surface type.
1.20
In addition to the first standard connection up to four further service pipes may be laid
in the same trench at the same time.
For each additional connection the charge will be:
£178†
Non Standard Connections
1.21
Where the service pipe to be laid by South West Water exceeds that of a standard
connection, a bespoke price† will be provided.
Additional charges in respect of a service pipe connection application
1.22
South West Water reserves the right to raise additional charges in the following
circumstances:
Where we attend to make a pre-booked
connection but the site is not ready for connection
£126†
Where we attend to make a pre-booked Water Regulations
compliance visit and work to be inspected is not complete
and ready for inspection
£59†
Where a customer’s requirements change and a
new survey is required to cost a connection
£74†
Connection withdrawn following payment
(where an application fee was not paid for an offsite connection)
- applications prior to 1 April 2015)
Actual cost, subject to a minimum charge of
1.23
†
£80 †
Please note: Connections to water mains will be made in accordance with the Terms
and Conditions as set out in South West Water’s quotation. Quotations provided will
be valid only for connections physically completed by 31 March 2018. South West
Water reserves the right to resurvey and re-quote for a connection after this date
where an application for connection has been received but the connection has not
been made. There will be a charge of £74† where a site is resurveyed and new quote
issued. To avoid this additional charge, please do not submit applications before 31
March 2018 if you will not be ready to have the connection made by this date.
Subject to VAT at the standard/reduced rate in certain circumstances (please see page 8)
7
Separation of Existing Joint Supplies
1.24
Where a person who occupies a property as her or his sole place of residence
applies for a new connection to separate the property’s water supply pipe from a joint
supply pipe shared by one or more other properties, South West Water will give a
20% discount on its charges for the work it is required to undertake to provide the
separate connection up to a maximum discount of £250 (excluding VAT where
relevant).
Charges Dispute
1.25
In the first instance, customers with queries concerning charges should contact South
West Water.
Any unresolved dispute regarding the reasonableness of charges made by
South West Water for a connection to its water main may be referred to the Water
Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat), 7 Hill Street, Birmingham, B5 4UA. Its
decision is binding.
1.26
As Ofwat is required to consider whether the charges are reasonable in respect of
the actual costs incurred by South West Water in undertaking the connection, it will
not consider a dispute until the work has been done. If it then considers a charge was
too high, it will inform South West Water of the amount of money it requires South
West Water to refund to the customer.
Connections to sewers
1.27
A standard charge of £267 † is payable in respect of all connections supervised by
South West Water. The standard charge applies where the applicant is responsible
for the works of connecting the drain or sewer to the public sewer. The connections
can only be made in accordance with South West Water’s Terms and Conditions as
set out in the invoice. The standard charge assumes materials are supplied and
excavations made by the applicant and applies only to connections up to 100mm to a
single property. Where the standard charge does not apply the charge will be based
on the cost of the work. Any subsequent re-inspections will be charged at £96 †
VALUE ADDED TAX
1.28
This section is a summary description of the VAT liability of charges and is subject
to changes in VAT legislation and rates of VAT.
1.29
All charges in the Scheme are shown exclusive of VAT. Charges which are always
subject to VAT at the standard rate are indicated with an *. Charges which are
subject to VAT at the standard rate only in certain circumstances are indicated
with an †.
1.30
Charges for engineering and construction services, are subject to VAT at the
standard rate, subject to the following:
- The new construction of dwellings and other certain qualifying buildings are
zero rated
- Charges in respect of construction services/civil engineering services
†
Subject to VAT at the standard/reduced rate in certain circumstances (please see page 8)
8
supplied in the course of certain residential conversions, or in the course of
renovating certain buildings that have been empty for two or more years, may
be taxed at a reduced rate, connection work will include that to the nearest
supply.
1.31
The first time connection to an existing building where the bill payer for the water and
the connection are the same individual/entity, here the VAT rate is the same as that
charged for the supply of the water only applies to water supplied by South West
Water Limited.
1.32
Infrastructure charges are outside the scope of VAT.
1.33
Although VAT is generally applied in the manner outlined above it is not
straightforward and its application can vary.
9
SECTION 2 - INFRASTRUCTURE CHARGES
2.1
In this section “Infrastructure Charge” means the charge authorised by Section
146(2) of the Water Industry Act 1991. The levels of the charges are set by the
Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat) and have been set to recover certain
off-site costs of servicing new development from those making the demand on the
water and sewerage system rather than from existing customers of the water and
sewerage companies.
2.2
Unless the individual charges are specifically referred to separately in this section,
the term “infrastructure charge” will cover both the water infrastructure charge and
the sewerage infrastructure charge.
Application of the Charges
2.3
The infrastructure charge will be payable on a property which comprises a unit
capable of separate occupation on the first occasion that it is connected to a water
main or a public sewer for domestic purposes on or after 1 April 1990. This does not
mean that it is only payable on houses. It is payable where water will be used for
domestic purposes, that is drinking, washing, cooking, central heating, and sanitary
purposes (as defined in the Water Industry Act 1991).
2.4
For the purposes of this charge every building or part of a building will be treated
as a unit capable of separate occupation and liable to a separate infrastructure
charge if:
(a) In the case of a dwelling:
(i) it is used or will be used as a separate dwelling; or
(ii) it includes separate facilities for sleeping, washing, cooking and a WC.
(b) In any other case, it has its own connection to South West Water’s water supply
or sewerage service and is in fact capable of separate occupation.
2.5
Except where detailed below under “Non-standard cases” the standard amounts of
the charges will be payable for each unit connecting directly or indirectly to South
West Water’s mains and/or sewers.
Liability to pay the charge
2.6
The charge is payable by the person requesting a connection to South West Water’s
water mains and/or sewerage system.
2.7
Where no application for a water supply or sewerage service is received or where
South West Water is unable to recover the charge from the person who requested
the connection, the charge will be payable by the person who has the benefit of the
new supply or service on the charge becoming payable
The Charges
2.8
For 2017/8 the standard amounts are:
(a) Water Infrastructure Charge
(b) Sewerage Infrastructure Charge
£364.00 per connection
£364.00 per connection
These charges are outside the scope of VAT.
10
Payment of the charges
2.9
In the case of a new property the infrastructure charge is payable upon connection
unless South West Water has agreed alternative payment arrangements with the
customer concerned. A customer wishing to agree alternative payment
arrangements should write to South West Water, Customer Services, PO Box 4762,
Worthing BN11 9NT on receipt of an invoice for the charges.
2.10
For existing properties which are occupied at the time a connection is required,
either payment in full shall be made within six months of the connection or
payment may be made in equal annual instalments up to a maximum of twelve plus
interest per annum at a prescribed rate calculated using Ofwat’s methodology for this
purpose.
Definition of connection
2.11
In the case of the water infrastructure charge, connection is defined as the point in
time at which a water meter is installed for measuring use at the property; or where a
meter has been installed previously for measuring a building supply and Building
Supply charges have been paid, the point at which the supply changes to one for
domestic purposes.
2.12
In the case of the sewerage infrastructure charge, connection is deemed to be the
point at which a water meter is installed for measuring use at the property; or
where a meter has been installed previously for measuring a building supply and
Building Supply charges have been paid, the point at which the supply changes to
one for domestic purposes; or
where no water supply is taken from a statutory water undertaker, the point at which
the property is physically connected directly or indirectly to a Company owned sewer.
2.13
South West Water will normally provide an invoice for the due infrastructure charges
at the same time as it presents an invoice for connection. Customers may well find it
administratively more convenient and cheaper to pay the charges at the same time.
Non-standard cases
2.14
There are a number of situations where the infrastructure charges due for a
development will not be calculated by simply adding together the relevant number of
standard amounts for each unit. These are:
Buildings where there is a Common Billing Agreement
2.15
Where a building is made up of a number of self-contained units and their future
occupiers will not be billed by South West Water for water and sewerage services but
the bill will be paid by a third party (a Common Billing Agreement), the infrastructure
charge will be calculated by reference to the water using appliances in the building.
2.16
The table in paragraph 2.22 below sets out the nationally agreed “Loading Units” for
various water using appliances.
11
2.17
The infrastructure charge will be calculated by adding together all the loading units for
all the appliances in the building: dividing this figure by 24, which is the average
loading unit for a domestic dwelling prescribed nationally; and then dividing the
resulting figure by the total number of self-contained units to which the Common
Billing Agreement Applies.
This will produce a figure called the “Relevant Multiplier” (RM) which will be multiplied
by the standard infrastructure charge: then multiplied by the total number of self
contained units to determine the total infrastructure charge payable e.g.
A building comprises 10 sheltered retirement flats and the future water and
sewerage charges will be paid by a management company for the flats.
Total value of Loading Units = 168
168 divided by 24 = 7
7 divided by 10 (number of self-contained units/flats) = 0.7 (RM per self contained
unit/flat)
Total Infrastructure charges for the development = 0.7 (RM) x the standard
infrastructure charge x 10 (number of self-contained units/flats)
2.18
In the case of a development with a Common Billing Agreement the relevant
multiplier may be more or less than 1.
Buildings which do not consist of a house and which are supplied by a service pipe
with an internal diameter greater than 20mm
2.19
In this case the infrastructure charges due will again be calculated by reference to the
water using appliances installed in them using the Loading Units in the table in
paragraph 2.22.
2.20
The infrastructure charge will be calculated by adding together all the loading units
for all the appliances in the building and dividing this figure by 24 to produce the
relevant multiplier. If this figure is less than 1, the relevant multiplier will be 1.
2.21
The relevant multiplier figure will then be multiplied by the standard infrastructure
charge to determine the charges due: e.g.
A factory unit is built, the domestic water using appliances in which produce a total
Loading Unit Value of 76.
Relevant multiplier = 76 divided by 24 = 3
Infrastructure charges payable = 3 x the standard infrastructure charge
12
2.22
Table of nationally agreed Loading Units for water fittings
Water Fitting (See Note 1)
WC flushing cistern
Wash basin in a house
Wash basin elsewhere
Bath (tap nominal size 20mm)
Bath (tap nominal size larger than 20mm)
Shower
Sink (tap nominal size 15mm)
Sink (tap nominal size larger than 15mm)
Spray tap
Bidet
Domestic appliance (subject to a minimum
of 6 LU’s per house) (See Note 2)
Communal or commercial appliance
Any other water fitting or outlet (including a tap – but excluding
a urinal or water softener)
Loading Units
2
1.5
3
10
22
3
3
5
0.5
1.5
3
10
3
Notes to be read with the table:
Note 1.
Reference to any fitting includes reference to any plumbing, outlet, dedicated
space or planning or other provision for that fitting.
Note 2.
In any calculation of the total Loading Units for a property, a minimum of six
Loading Units will be included in respect of each house for domestic appliances
whether or not the house has any such appliances. The only exception to this
will be in the case of any house where neither a washing machine nor a
dishwasher can be provided and there is no plumbing, outlet, dedicated space
or planning or other provision for either appliance in the house.
Development or redevelopment of sites formerly connected to water and
sewerage services
2.23
Where a site is developed or redeveloped (including conversions or sub-divisions of
buildings) the number of infrastructure charges which will be payable will be:
The total number of units with connections to water and/or sewerage services after
development minus the maximum number of properties which had connections to
water and/or sewerage services at any time in the five years before redevelopment
began. The credited number of properties are known as off-sets.
For example: A row of 5 shops and 5 flats all of which had water and sewerage
connections is demolished. The site is not re-developed for three years. When it is, a
block of 16 self-contained flats is built. The infrastructure charges payable for the
redevelopment will be:16 sets of
charges
minus 10 sets of charges
(one set for each of the
properties connected
previously)
13
equals 6 sets of
charges
2.24
Where a site to be redeveloped consists of a large single commercial complex such as a hospital or hotel - and which had a metered connection, South West Water
will take account of demand on services of the original use of the site in the five years
before redevelopment began when calculating infrastructure charges (NB where part
of a site only has been sold for redevelopment, the continuing water use at that part
of the site not being redeveloped will be taken into account when calculating the due
infrastructure charges).
2.25
It will do this by dividing the maximum consumption recorded by the meter in any of
the five financial years prior to development by the average domestic household
consumption in South West Water’s area. This will produce the number of off-sets
which South West Water will set against the infrastructure charges due.
For example: a residential home with a single metered connection is redeveloped
and 30 flats built on the site. The maximum annual use of the home in the five years
before redevelopment was 930 cubic metres. The infrastructure charges payable for
the site will be:
930 cu.m. divided by 112 cu.m. (average domestic annual consumption) equals
8 off-sets.
30 sets of infrastructure charges - 8 offsets = 22 sets of infrastructure charges.
2.26
In cases where infrastructure charge liability is calculated using the relevant multiplier
principle referred to in 2.15 to 2.22 above, any off-sets due will be set against the
total number of infrastructure charges which have been deemed payable using the
relevant multiplier principle.
2.27
NB where a large single commercial site is redeveloped which did not previously
have metered connections South West Water will be unable to use demand as a
basis for calculating infrastructure charges. Charges will be calculated on the basis of
the maximum number of properties formerly on the site.
Disputes regarding the application of the Relevant Multiplier
2.28
Any dispute about the application or calculation of the Relevant Multiplier may be
referred to the Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat), Centre City Tower,
7 Hill Street, Birmingham, B5 4UA.
14
SECTION 3: DEVELOPER SERVICES CHARGES
3.1
This section sets out information on specific developer service charges. Details of
charge rates are given in Appendix 1.
Pre-development enquiries (water and sewerage)
3.2
The Developer Services team can offer advice and guidance to help with predevelopment enquiries
3.3
Co-operation between South West Water and developers or agents at an early stage
of development planning is important to avoid potential delays at the point of planning
application. Through early discussions about the proposed development South West
Water can understand, advise and plan how South West Water can support the
requirements of a proposed development.
3.4
For developments greater than 10 dwellings a capacity check is required to
determine if the water distribution (and sewerage network if appropriate) has
sufficient capacity to service the dwellings. A Pre Development Capacity enquiry form
which can be found on our website and the associated charges are given in this
Charging Scheme (see Appendix 1).
3.5
This form includes additional information on response times. It should be noted that
for large developments (>500 properties) South West Water may need to carry out
additional investigation work. If this happens, South West Water will contact the
developer to discuss timescales. Additional charges may be required if hydraulic
modelling is needed to confirm off-site reinforcement costs for additional capacity.
Water main diversions
3.6
South West Water does not allow building over any water mains or associated
apparatus. An existing water main may need to be diverted to a different location due
to its proximity to the vicinity of the planned works.
3.7
To divert a water main the developer will need to complete a Water supply (mains
and supply) and diversion application form available from the South West Water
website.
3.8
On receiving the application form a deposit will need to be provided the value of
which is set out in this Charges Scheme (see Appendix 1).
3.9
Once the deposit has been deposited with South West Water, the work will
commence as soon as possible. South West Water will design and estimate the cost
of diversion of the water main.
3.10
The final cost of a water main diversion is payable in full by the applicant. If the cost
is less than the deposit then the outstanding amount will be refunded on completion
of construction. Should these costs be more, the additional cost will be invoiced.
15
Self lay of new water mains
3.11
As an alternative to having new water mains and service connections installed by
South West Water, developers can arrange for the work to be carried out by qualified
contractors. A National Code of Practice is now available and should be read in
conjunction with South West Water’s policy in this area.
3.12
Any Self-Lay work must be carried out by a company that is accredited with the
Water Industry Registration Scheme (WIRS) which is administered by Lloyds
Register.
3.13
An application for self-lay is available on the South West Water website.
3.14
An application fee for any self-lay application is required; the value of which is set out
in this Charges Scheme (see Appendix 1). This fee will be deducted from the actual
cost of any works undertaken as a result of the application (for example, from the
payment for the asset upon adoption).
Water main requisitions
3.15
If a development does not wish to self-lay, the water connection can be provided by
South West Water through a process termed requisitioning.
3.16
To apply for a new connection requisition a ‘water supply application’ form must be
completed and sent to South West Water. This is available from the South West
Water website. South West Water will provide an estimate of the cost for the water
supply provision on receipt of all the necessary information.
3.17
A requisition charge is payable for any new connection and a deposit is required
upon application; the value of which is given in this Charges Scheme (see Appendix
1). The final cost is payable by the applicant. If the final cost is less than the value of
the deposit, the outstanding amount will be refunded upon completion.
3.17
For the avoidance of doubt, South West Water does not have a duty to provide a
supply for non-domestic use but will endeavour to meet customer needs wherever
possible.
3.18
All new supplies will be metered.
Sewer Build Over
3.19
South West Water will need to know about any proposed building work over or within
three metres of a public sewer or lateral drain. We will identify if your proposal will be
affected by the presence of our apparatus and work with you to find a way to resolve
any issues that may arise. It is highly recommended that you contact South West
Water in the early stages of planning regarding your proposals.
3.20
The granting of planning permission or building regulation approval does not give
consent or permission to carry out construction works either over or close to South
West Water apparatus. You will need consent from South West Water direct as well.
16
3.21
South West Water will not permit:
•
•
3.22
Building over or in close proximity to sewer rising mains
Building over or in close proximity to existing sewers on new development or
redevelopment sites
If you are a private customer planning a small building project (e.g. an extension,
garage or garden room) wholly on your own land and are unsuccessful in your
application to build over or close-to our sewer, you may be eligible for our Small Build
Sewer Diversion process, details of which are available on the South West Water
website.
Public Sewer diversions
3.23
South West Water does not allow building over any public sewers or associated
apparatus.
3.24
A public sewer main may need to be diverted to a different location due to its
proximity to the vicinity of the planned works.
3.25
To request a public sewer to be diverted, it will be necessary to complete a Sewer
Requisition or Diversion Application Form available from the South West Water
website.
3.26
On receiving the application form a deposit will need to be provided the value of
which is set out in this Charges Scheme (see Appendix 1).
3.27
Once the deposit has been deposited with South West Water, and all information has
been received, the work will commence as soon as possible in line with the details in
the Application Form.
3.28
The final cost of any diversion is payable by the applicant in full. If the final cost of the
scheme is less than your deposit then the outstanding amount will be refunded on
completion of construction. Should these costs be more, you will be invoiced.
Sewer and Pumping Station Adoption (Section 104)
3.29
If the development is going to be connected to the South West Water sewerage
system, sewers and pumping stations must be constructed in accordance with
defined standards and process.
3.30
South West Water promotes the use of a Section 104 agreement, Water Industry Act
1991 for the adoption of new sewers and waste water pumping stations that are to be
constructed as part of new developments.
3.31
In addition to Sewers for Adoption, South West Water has its own addendum which
should be referred to when making an application.
3.32
If South West Water is to adopt new sewers and pumping stations that are to be
constructed as part of a new development, it will be necessary to make an
application to connect. Details of the process are available on the South West Water
website under Sewer Connection
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3.33
An upfront fee is payable with all S104 sewer adoption applications. This is a deposit
and will be deducted from the final vetting/supervision fee payable for sewer adoption
are as set out in this Charges Scheme (see Appendix 1). The deposit is nonrefundable.
Adoption of an existing sewer (section 102)
3.34
Section 102 of the Water Industry Act 1991 (and further subsequent amendments),
allows the owners of a private sewer system to apply for the adoption of their system
by the Water Company.
3.35
South West Water will need to assess the suitability of a sewerage system for
adoption. A deposit as set out in this Charges Scheme (see Appendix 1) will be
required upon any application. This is non-refundable. If the final cost is less than the
value of the deposit, the outstanding amount will be refunded upon completion.
Sewer Requisitions
3.36
If a developer does not wish to self-lay, South West Water provides a service to
construct a sewerage connection on behalf of the developer (or customers), when
requested to do so, on application.
3.37
The application form ‘Application for Sewer Requisitionon the South West Water
website provides guidance on the information needed.
3.38
A deposit must be paid upon application as set out in this Charges Scheme (see
Appendix 1). On receipt of all necessary information, South West Water will provide a
quotation for undertaking the work. Written acceptance will be needed prior to the
work progressing. The final cost of the connection will be invoiced upon completion. If
the final cost is less than the value of the deposit, the outstanding amount will be
refunded upon completion.
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SECTION 4: MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
4.1
In addition to the standard charges listed above there are other miscellaneous nonhousehold wholesale charges.
4.2
Building Water - A temporary site supply that is used for construction purposes. It
includes all water used for construction except that water provided to a household
property where this is taken past the external stop tap. Any water used at household
premise taken past the external stop tap will be subject to a ‘pre-occupation
volumetric charge’ All water for such purposes will be supplied through a meter and
charged at the rate of £2.4659† per cubic metre.
For Information – the Building Water tariff quoted is the charge made by SWW
Wholesale Services to the consumer’s chosen Retailer
Other Supplies - For supplies made under the supervision of South West Water’s
staff (or its agents) and not made through a permanently sited meter, the charge shall
be £1.8553† per cubic metre (tonne) subject to a minimum charge of £223† per
supply.
4.3
Other supplies including those required outside normal working hours or where
delivery is made, other than through the water mains, shall, at the discretion of the
Company be based on the cost of supply, subject to a minimum charge of £223†.
4.4
Hydrant Standpipes - Portable hydrant standpipes for use on specified hydrants are
available for hire from South West Water’s nominated contractor. The standard size
will be 25mm and the hire will be subject to the nominated contractor’s terms and hire
rates.
4.5
Water used through a portable standpipe will be charged on a measured basis at the
rate of £1.8553# per cubic metre. Charges will be billed by, and be payable to, the
nominated contractor
4.6
Where the Company agrees to undertake a search of its records for any person there
will be a standard charge of £40.30 * for each routine enquiry plus a charge of £5.00*
for each copy document provided. Actual costs will be charged for any non-routine
enquiries.
4.7
No charge will be made for sending a customer a copy of the information on the
Drinking Water Quality Register for the Water into Supply Zone in which they live
because they are unable to attend a Company office to inspect the Register. Charges
will be made for providing information from the Register about Zones in which the
enquirer does not live.
Environmental Information Reporting
4.8
The Environmental Information Regulations allow the information provider to make a
reasonable charge for providing environmental information.
4.9
Where fees are required, a Fees Notice requesting payment will be issued and no
further action will be taken until a fee is received. The time taken to pay the fees does
*
Subject to VAT at the standard rate (please see section 1)
# Subject to VAT at the standard rate when used by a customer whose predominate activity is within SIC (1980) divisions1 to 5
(ie industrial use) to be determined by the the contractor
19
not count as part of the 20 working day target for responding to requests, and it will
be necessary to receive the due fee before providing the information requested.
4.10
We may charge for:
(a) Staff time for locating and retrieving information, except where the time spent is
minimal
(b) Printing or photocopying costs
(c) Copying to different media including photographic prints, scanning to CD-ROM,
etc – details will be provided when responding to the particular request
(d) Postage or other delivery charges
4.11
We will not charge for:
(a) Information available on the South West Water Ltd website
(b) Copies of any publication (e.g. leaflets or reports) already made available by the
Company
(c) Inspecting public registers or examining information at South West Water’s Head
Office
4.12
Please note that these charges are correct at 1 April 2016 and will be reviewed to
comply with any fees, or charges or regulations published.
4.13
The Company reserves the right to waive charges where appropriate.
4.14
The Company charges a standard fee of £12.50* per hour per person for staff time.
4.15
Charges for photocopying and postage are as specified in paragraphs 4.16 and 4.17
below.
Other information
4.16
The Company may charge for providing other information:
Photocopying/printing
black & white A4
A3
colour
A4
A3
£0.085*/sheet
£0.17*/sheet
£0.85*/sheet
£1.70*/sheet
4.17
Where more than 40 sheets are provided, time will also be charged at £12.50* per
hour or part hour with a minimum charge of £12.50*. Postage will be charged at cost.
4.18
Payment will be required in advance. In cases where significant amounts of
information are being requested, the Company will estimate the cost of provision and
reserves the right to charge an additional amount should actual cost vary significantly
from the estimate.
NB Certain of the Company’s records are open for inspection free of charge during
normal office hours.
*
Subject to VAT at the standard rate (please see section 1)
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APPENDIX I: SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Description of Charge
Wholesale
Developer
Service
Charge
2017/18
Infrastructure Charge – Water
Infrastructure Charge – Sewerage
£364.00
£364.00
On site: First connection
On site: Additional connections (per connection)
Off site: First connection
Off site: Additional connections (per connection maximum 5 in total)
Off site: New connection application fee
Off site: Additional connection application fee (per connection)
Self-lay: First connection
Self-lay: Subsequent connections
Domestic meters (supplied by South West Water)
£290.00
£200.00
£232.00
£166.00
£75.00
£45.00
£47.00
£30.00
£17.00
Connection, Pipe, Trenchwork & Reinstatement
: in unsurfaced ground (up to 3m)
: in pavement/footpath (up to 3m)
: in carriageway (up to 3m)
: in unsurfaced ground (per meter, 3-5m)
: in pavement/footpath (per meter, 3-5m)
: in carriageway (per meter, 3-5m)
: additional connections in same trench (up to 5m)
£476.00
£811.00
£878.00
£38.00
£87.00
£114.00
£178.00
Abortive water regulations visit charge
Abortive connection visit charge
Water regulations reinspection fee
Resurvey charge
Cessation of connection application following survey (prior to 1 April 2015 only)
£59.00
£126.00
£59.00
£74.00
£80.00
Connection to sewers
Sewer connection reinspection fee
£267.00
£98.00
Domestic sewer build over application (by assessment)
Domestic sewer build over application (by declaration)
CCTV survey (up to 15 metres)
Sewer location survey
Site visit (half day)
£170.00
£75.00
£150.00
£150.00
£165.00
Replacement of sewer for small build including 1 day inspection
Further days inspection
£543.00
£304.00
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Pre-development enquiry – Hydraulic review fees (water) – 11-500 dwellings (others
bespoke)
Pre-development enquiry – Hydraulic review fees (wastewater) – 11-500 dwellings
(others bespoke)
Budget estimate (following hydraulic review) – scheme cost basis:
Band A (0 - £50k)
Band B (£50k - £100k)
Band C (£100k - £250k)
Band D (£250k - £500k)
Band E (£500k - £1m)
Band F (£1m - £3m)
£501.00
£367.00
£228.00
£258.00
£337.00
£433.00
£553.00
£687.00
Water requisitions (S41- 44)
Deposit on application
Hydrant Deposit
£1,400.00
£100.00
Self Lay of new mains – Deposit on application
Water diversions – Deposit on application
Sewer requisitions – Deposit (S98 – 101) on application
£1,400.00
£1,400.00
£2,500.00
Sewer adoption (s.104) – Deposit on application
Legal fees
S104 Inspection fees
£500.00
£257.50
2.5% of the
construction
cost
£500.00
s.102 Deposit on application
Sewer diversions (S185)
Major diversion deposit on application
Minor diversion fixed fee on application
CCTV laterals on application (over 15 metres)
Topographical survey on application
£1,400.00
£1,150,00
£363.00
£370.00
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