Property owners and landlords
Support for owners of warehouses, factories, retail units, offices, yards, depots and mixed commercial sites.
Independent surface water drainage charge reviews
Is your commercial property paying the correct drainage charge?
MAW Water Rebate UK helps commercial property owners, landlords, managing agents and businesses review surface water drainage charges. We examine the available billing and drainage evidence, explain the position clearly and help prepare an application where the facts support one.
Commercial property support
Who we work with
Surface water charging can affect many types of non-household property. Each review is based on the specific bill, site and drainage arrangements.
Managing agents and facilities teams
A clear review of bills and drainage information for managed estates, business parks and multi-building sites.
Businesses and occupiers
Help for bill-payers who want to understand whether their surface water drainage charge reflects the way the site actually drains.
What we review
A professional assessment brings the billing information and physical drainage evidence together.
01
Your water bill
We look for the surface water drainage element, the charging basis and the organisation responsible for the account.
02
The drainage route
We consider how rainwater from roofs, yards, car parks and other hardstanding is understood to leave the property.
03
The supporting evidence
Plans, photographs, inspection details and other proportionate evidence may help demonstrate whether water reaches a public sewer.
Visual example only. A real review may involve roofs, car parks, yards, private drainage, watercourses, soakaways, attenuation features and partial sewer connections.
At-a-glance evidence
Typical information used in a review
Not every property will have every document available. The purpose of the initial review is to identify what is already known and what may genuinely add value.
Recent bill
Shows the relevant charges, provider and account reference.
Property details
The address, site type and your relationship to the property.
Photos or plans
Useful visual information about downpipes, gullies and site layout.
Drainage knowledge
Any information about soakaways, watercourses or private systems.
Possible indicators
A review may be worthwhile where...
- Rainwater drains to a soakaway, watercourse or other private system rather than a public sewer.
- Only part of a large commercial site appears to connect to the public sewer.
- The bill is based on site area but includes substantial land that may drain naturally elsewhere.
- Historic drainage arrangements are unclear or the charge has never been reviewed.
- You have plans, photographs or site knowledge that may support a more accurate assessment.
A soakaway or alternative drainage feature does not automatically establish eligibility. The relevant water retailer or sewerage company will decide the application under its own charging scheme and evidence requirements.
Example outcome
£1,270 annual charge reduction
A review of a commercial property in Nantwich, Cheshire identified evidence supporting an annual reduction of £1,270 in surface water drainage charges.
Results vary by property.
This example is not a promise of future savings. Eligibility, the amount of any reduction and whether charges are backdated are decided under the relevant provider's rules.
Our five-step process
Simple communication, proportionate evidence and a clear route from first enquiry to the provider's decision.
1
Initial review
Email the address, a recent bill and what you know about the drainage.
2
Evidence check
We identify what is already available and what may still be needed.
3
Assessment
The billing position and drainage route are reviewed together.
4
Application support
Where appropriate, the information is organised for the relevant provider.
5
Outcome
You are kept informed of requests, findings and the final decision.
Why clients choose a straightforward review
The website is designed to feel clear and professional—without overstating what can be promised.
Direct access
Speak to Matthew directly from the first enquiry.
Clear guidance
Understand what the evidence does and does not show.
Focused review
Attention is kept on the charge, the drainage route and the relevant facts.
Start with a free initial review
Send Matthew a recent bill and a short description of the property's drainage arrangements.