United Utilities Surface Water Drainage Reduction

Show that all rainwater from your roof, drive, patio and yard drains to a soakaway, the ground or a watercourse instead of the public sewer, and have the surface water drainage charge taken off your bill.

• All rainwater from the roof, drive, patio, yard and other hard surfaces must drain directly into the ground, a watercourse such as a brook or stream, or a soakaway
• If any surface water reaches the public sewer the reduction does not apply
• You must be able to prove the drainage arrangement

1. 1Check where your gutters, downpipes and hard surfaces drain
2. 2Download the application form and guidance from the United Utilities surface water drainage page
3. 3Complete and return the form with your evidence

• https://www.unitedutilities.com/surface-water-drainage (official page)
• https://corporate.unitedutilities.com/help-and-support/wastewater-services/surface-water-drainage/

Last checked October 22, 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.

Sow is not affiliated with any of these agencies or utilities. Amounts and rules change, often at the start of a fiscal year, so confirm the details on the official page before you start a project. How we research these programs