Business Water Bills To Rise Up To 50p Per Week In April

NI Water today announced changes to its non-domestic water and sewerage charges. While water charges for non-domestic customers are decreasing in real terms, the cost of sewerage charges will see an increase.

Ronan Larkin explained: "The increases are unavoidable because of the effects of inflation and the substantial cost of necessary improvements to the water and sewerage infrastructure to meet standards and improve quality. For customers, the improvements in the infrastructure have helped to deliver the best ever drinking water quality and have helped to reduce our impact on the environment through improved sewage treatment.

"However, we are very conscious that these are difficult economic times for our customers. We have, therefore, gained agreement to limit any tariff increases as much as possible."

Measured customers will see their combined water and sewerage bill increase by 6.9%. Unmeasured customers will see a rise of 8.4% to their combined bill.

From 1st April 2012 a small to medium size shop or hairdressing salon will see an increase of up to 50p per week. An average sized farm will see an increase of up to 20p per week, while a medium to large factory or office will see an increase of up to £4 per week.

The new charges, to be reflected in bills from April, follow the Utility Regulator’s decision on the prices NI Water should charge customers between 2010-13.

(CD/GK)