Water charges for vacant non-domestic properties

Water, sewerage and drainage charges are payable for vacant non-domestic properties. If you're the owner of the property, you'll need to pay these.

All properties with a valid connection to public water, sewerage or drainage services must pay the charges even if the property is not in use. This includes condemned and listed buildings.

Water and sewerage charges

As the property is not in active use, your charges will not be based on your water usage and will not be measured by a water meter. Instead, your charges are calculated based on the rateable value of your property.

The charges include:

• water connection
• waste water connection
• roads drainage
• surface drainage

You will agree the payment terms with your Licensed Provider.

If you do not have a Licensed Provider

If you own or occupy a non-domestic property and do not have a Licensed Provider, you must register with one. Details of Licensed Providers can be found at Scotland on Tap.

If you do not pay

If your property is connected to public water mains or sewerage network, you need to pay for services even if you do not use them. This is because Scottish Water has to maintain the pipes and sewers so that you can:

• turn on the taps when you need to
• take away the waste water, including the rain that drains from your roof and paved areas

Licensed Providers will try to collect any money owed.

Disconnecting your supply

If you do not want to pay, you can get your property disconnected from water and sewerage services. Your Licensed Provider can tell you about the cost and process for this.

Disconnecting your supply is permanent and is usually only done for properties which are being demolished.

Reconnecting a supply

You will need to pay to reconnect to Scottish Water's mains and sewers.