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Apply for a wastewater audit
A wastewater audit works out the percentage of your water that goes into our wastewater network. The aim is to ensure you are paying the right amount for wastewater services.
What is a wastewater audit and who can apply?
Business water meters have an ‘industry type’ based on the main activity on the water meter. Each industry type has a wastewater percentage, which is the proportion of water charged for volumetric (the volume of water used) wastewater services.
An audit checks if you’re paying the right amount and helps you find ways to reduce your wastewater discharge.
We’ll visit your site and may ask you to install a ‘check meter’ to measure flow for three to 12 months. We’ll send you a report after we’ve analysed the results. If you agree with our findings, the new rate will start with your next bill.
Any business customer who pays a volumetric wastewater charge can apply for a wastewater audit.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How do I decide if I need an audit? All business water meters are given an ‘industry type’ based on the main activity on the water meter. Each industry type has a wastewater percentage. This represents the proportion of water usage that is charged for volumetric wastewater services.
If you believe that your actual percentage of wastewater discharge varies from the value on the chart, you may wish to apply for a wastewater audit. If the variation is less than 5 per cent from the standard, we may not agree to a change.
All business water meters are given an ‘industry type’ based on the main activity on the water meter. Each industry type has a wastewater percentage. This represents the proportion of water usage that is charged for volumetric wastewater services.
If you believe that your actual percentage of wastewater discharge varies from the value on the chart, you may wish to apply for a wastewater audit. If the variation is less than 5 per cent from the standard, we may not agree to a change.
What is the audit based on? There are three types of audits:
- Recipe-based: where the water is used as part of a final product, e.g. making beverages.
- Water-check meter: where the water is used in operations but is not discharged to the wastewater networks, e.g. irrigation or cooling towers.
- A combination of these.
There are three types of audits:
- Recipe-based: where the water is used as part of a final product, e.g. making beverages.
- Water-check meter: where the water is used in operations but is not discharged to the wastewater networks, e.g. irrigation or cooling towers.
- A combination of these.
How long does an audit take? It can vary – anywhere from a few days up to a year. It depends on your production processes and seasonal variations, such as irrigation during summer.
It can vary – anywhere from a few days up to a year. It depends on your production processes and seasonal variations, such as irrigation during summer.
How much will the audit cost me, and how do I pay? For our standard audit fee for a minimum of 2 hours, see Other charges.
Audits needing more detailed analysis may take more than 2 hours. In this case we will discuss all costs with you before proceeding with the audit.
If we decide not to proceed with an audit, there will be no fee.
If you choose to install a check meter or wastewater meter to do periodic flow monitoring, you will be responsible for any costs and maintenance of these meters.
We charge the audit fee to your Watercare account when the audit is done.
For our standard audit fee for a minimum of 2 hours, see Other charges.
Audits needing more detailed analysis may take more than 2 hours. In this case we will discuss all costs with you before proceeding with the audit.
If we decide not to proceed with an audit, there will be no fee.
If you choose to install a check meter or wastewater meter to do periodic flow monitoring, you will be responsible for any costs and maintenance of these meters.
We charge the audit fee to your Watercare account when the audit is done.
What happens after the audit? If you are satisfied with the proposed percentage, sign and return the final wastewater declaration form. The new revised wastewater charge will take effect from your next billing cycle and will be shown, with the audit fee, on your next invoice.
If we don't hear back from you within 30 days of receipt of the declaration form, we will revert your wastewater percentage to the standard percentage associated with your industry type.
If you are satisfied with the proposed percentage, sign and return the final wastewater declaration form. The new revised wastewater charge will take effect from your next billing cycle and will be shown, with the audit fee, on your next invoice.
If we don't hear back from you within 30 days of receipt of the declaration form, we will revert your wastewater percentage to the standard percentage associated with your industry type.
How long does the percentage stay current? It's valid for a maximum of two years and will then be reviewed. The review could be earlier if there are changes on the site.
It's valid for a maximum of two years and will then be reviewed. The review could be earlier if there are changes on the site.
Can you reassess my business if it changes? We generally review all wastewater percentages after two years. However, if your wastewater volume changes before your two-year review, please contact us to review your wastewater percentage.
There is a fee for all reassessments.
If you move premises, we’ll need to re-evaluate the wastewater percentage at your new site.
For more information or help, contact us: Phone (09) 442 2222 option 2 or email [email protected].
We generally review all wastewater percentages after two years. However, if your wastewater volume changes before your two-year review, please contact us to review your wastewater percentage.
There is a fee for all reassessments.
If you move premises, we’ll need to re-evaluate the wastewater percentage at your new site.
For more information or help, contact us: Phone (09) 442 2222 option 2 or email [email protected].