Wastewater; payment of drainage charges

The local by-laws on contributions and charges relating to the drainage scheme (BGS/EWS) stipulate that property owners who have the option of connecting their property to a public drainage system are generally required to pay (one-off) connection charges. In doing so, they contribute to the financing of this system in accordance with the principle of solidarity (every property owner within the service area is required to contribute).

The amount of the contribution is often based on the size of the plot and the floor area; a specific contribution rate, as laid down in the BGS/EWS, is payable per ^{square metre} of such areas. However, it is also common for the contribution to be calculated on the basis of the plot area and the floor area permitted for the plot under planning law. The contribution rate is usually calculated using a so-called ‘global calculation’. This summarises all the costs incurred and allocates them mathematically across the total existing and anticipated plot and floor areas.

In the course of constructing such a public facility, the municipalities also have the option of demanding so-called advance payments from the property owners prior to completion, e.g. in order to reduce the municipal borrowing required for the construction measures. Advance payments are offset against the final settlement (final construction contribution) after completion of construction.

It should also be noted that a municipality can also levy so-called improvement contributions after the initial construction of a facility if, for example, it has modernised or upgraded the long-standing facility.

Please contact your local authority for more information on the specific local regulations.