Surface water drainage charge

A question about : Surface water drainage charge

Hi,

My water bill contains an charge for Surface water.

The roof of the house has conventional gutters and downpipes which drain to a public sewer.

The property has a large concreted parking area and private road, which drains to a farmer's field adjacent (and below) the property. There is no soakaway or similar - the water just runs through a hole in a wall and onto the field.

Is there any prospect of obtaining a reduction in the surface water charge because of this?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Cheers

Best answers:

• The position, backed by Ofwat, was that if any water from your property enters the sewerage system, you pay the full surface water drainage charge.
  However there have been some reports on MSE and elsewhere of that position being challenged, some successful, some not.
  It will do no harm to try, or contact the Consumer Council for Water for advice.