Water charging principles
Most domestic and non-domestic customers receive and pay for four services:
- drinking water
- wastewater removal and treatment
- surface water drainage from private areas (like roofs and car parks)
- surface water drainage from public areas (like roads)
Scottish Ministers made a statement in relation to the principles that must apply to water charges for 2021 to 2027.
Price regulation
Scottish Water prices are determined by the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS).
Ministers determine the length of the next regulatory period, i.e. the period for which prices are set.
Charges and billing
Domestic customers
Your local authority bills and collects your water and sewerage charges along with your Council Tax. Your water charges are linked to your Council Tax band, and many Council Tax discounts also apply to water charges.
Find out more on Scottish Water's website.
Non-domestic customers
All non-domestic customers are charged on a metered basis unless this is not practical. Drainage charges are based on the property's rateable value.
Water and sewerage charges for non-domestic customers are made up of six elements:
- fixed water charge
- charge based on water used
- fixed wastewater charge
- charge based on wastewater volume
- property drainage charge
- roads drainage charge
From 1 April 2017 vacant non-domestic properties are liable to be charged for water, sewerage, and drainage services in the same way that occupied properties are.
Since 1 April 2018, current rateable values are used to calculate unmeasured charges.
More information is available on mygov.scot. We have also published rateable values: frequently asked questions.
Retail competition for non-domestic customers
Scottish Water provides the actual water and wastewater services, but non-domestic customers can choose who handles their billing, meterre reading and complaints. All retailers must be licensed by WICS, who provide a list of licensed providers.
Water and sewerage charges exemption scheme
Small charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) may be eligible for an exemption from water and sewerage charges. This scheme is funded by a 1.5% increase in charges for other business customers.
We published a review of the exemption scheme on 6 March 2018.
Visit mygov.scot to find out more about the exemption scheme and how to apply.