Reclaim overpaid water charges
Water bills bundle in charges that don't always apply to your property. The most common overcharge is surface water drainage: a fee for rainwater running off your roof and land into the public sewer. If your rainwater actually drains to a soakaway, septic system, or a watercourse instead, you've been paying for a service you never received. People reclaim hundreds of pounds, sometimes over a thousand, going back years. Other overpayments happen when you're billed on rateable value when a meter would be cheaper, or charged an estimated or assessed amount that's too high. All of these are recoverable.
Skip the writing, get your claim in 15 seconds.
We'll draft a firm, ready-to-send demand tailored to your situation. Free.
Build my claim →Your rights
If your surface water doesn't drain to the public sewer, you can apply to have the charge removed and reclaim past overpayments. Water companies typically backdate the rebate up to six years, or to the date you became responsible for the bill, whichever is later. Where the company knew or could reasonably have been expected to know your property wasn't connected, Ofwat says the rebate should run from that point. If a meter can't be fitted, the company must offer an assessed charge as an alternative to the standard unmetered charge, and you can challenge an assessed or estimated bill that's wrong. The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) handles complaints if the company refuses, and Ofwat regulates the companies and can investigate billing breaches.
Step by step
- 1Check your bill for a surface water drainage charge, and work out where your rainwater actually goes. If your roof and gutters drain to a soakaway, septic tank, or watercourse rather than the public sewer, you likely qualify for a rebate.
- 2Contact your water company and apply for the surface water drainage rebate, providing evidence: usually a simple plan of your property showing where rainwater drains. Ask them to remove the charge going forward and refund past payments (up to six years).
- 3If your issue is a wrong metered, assessed, or estimated bill instead, ask the company to reassess based on actual usage or fit a meter, and refund the difference you overpaid.
- 4If the company refuses or lowballs the refund, complain in writing, then take it free to the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), which can press the company to put it right.
What they'll say, and your comeback
“Everyone in the area pays the surface water drainage charge.”
Comeback, The charge only applies if my surface water actually drains to the public sewer. Mine goes to a [soakaway / watercourse]. Here's my property plan. Please remove the charge and refund the overpayments.
“We can only refund from the date you applied.”
Comeback, Companies typically backdate surface water rebates up to six years. And where you knew or could reasonably have been expected to know my property wasn't connected, the rebate runs from that point. Please apply the full backdated refund.
“Your bill is correct based on the rateable value of your property.”
Comeback, Rateable value isn't the only basis. I'd like an assessed charge or a meter so I'm billed for what I actually use, and a refund of the difference if I've been overpaying.
FAQ
How far back can I reclaim surface water drainage charges?
Water companies typically backdate the rebate up to six years, or to the date you became responsible for the bill, whichever is later. If the company could reasonably have been expected to know your property wasn't connected, you may be able to claim from that earlier date.
What if the water company refuses my rebate?
Complain to the company in writing first. If you're not satisfied, contact the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), the free statutory body that handles water complaints. CCW can push the company to refund, and Ofwat can investigate billing breaches.
Ready to get your money back?
Reclaim it now, free →More money you might be owed
- UKChallenge your council tax band and reclaim overpayments
- PortugalReclamar uma cobrança indevida de serviços em Portugal
- UKEnergy back-billing: refuse charges over 12 months old
- UKDisputing a water bill overcharge and getting a refund
- UKReclaiming mobile roaming and out-of-bundle charges
- USDispute a Surprise Medical Bill (No Surprises Act)
A self-serve tool, not a law firm. General information, not legal advice.