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This is the charge for the fresh, clean water that comes out of your taps.
Fresh water is the water you use for drinking, cooking, cleaning, washing and watering the plants. It's the clean, safe water that comes into your home and out through your taps.
The charge for fresh water on your bill is made by Bristol Water for supplying these services to you.
The waste water, or sewerage charge, is for water leaving your property through the drains.
When the water leaves your property, it does so as waste water or sewerage. To be able to reuse or release this waste water back into nature, it must be property handled, processed and treated. This is what the Waste Water Charge covers.
This element of your bill is the responsibility of Wessex Water.
A fixed charge, payable by all customers.
Standing Charges are fixed amounts, payable by all customers. Part of the charge covers the cost of billing, and part of the charge covers the costs of maintaining and repairing the pipes in the ground and the facilities we use to process and treat water.
A banded charge that is typically determined by the size of your house.
All properties prior to the introduction of the Poll Tax in 1990 were given a rateable value. The rateable value is an assessment of the amount of money you should pay for your water, based on a variety of factors - but mainly the size of your property. The rateable value (RV) figures were set by the Valuation Office of the Inland Revenue.
On your bill, rateable value may be referenced as 'RV', or even non-metered bill. It is a relatively old measure, and as properties can change over time, due to extensions and redevelopments, the rateable value as it was originally assessed may no longer be accurate.
Modern properties typically no longer use rateable value to determine the cost of your bill. Water meters accurately record the amount of water you use, are now seen as a much fairer way to charge and allow you to save money by altering how much water you use.
A bill that is calculated on the water you actually use, as recorded by your water meter.
Most modern homes have a water meter installed. A water meter records the actual water you use, so when you get your bill, it's based on how much water you've consumed.
If you use more water, your bill is likely to increase. If you use less, it's likely to decrease.
Many people like water meters, as it puts you in control of your bills. If you take steps to reduce your water use - like taking shorter showers, or not leaving the tap on while brushing your teeth - you'll see your water bill cost decrease.
Direct Debit
Paying by Direct Debit is convenient, as it saves you time and means you can spread your bill over monthly payments, choosing a payment day that suits you. Also, you never need to worry about missing a payment. If you would like to pay this way, please complete the online form. Alternatively, you can call us on 0345 600 3600 (Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pm) or print and complete the relevant form below.
Please return the form to BWBSL, 1 Clevedon Walk, Nailsea, Bristol, BS48 1WA
