Water supply; payment of water contributions

The local contribution and fee statutes for the water supply statutes (BGS / WAS) stipulate that property owners who have the opportunity to connect their property to a public water supply facility must generally pay (one-off) production contributions. They thus participate in the financing of this facility in accordance with the solidarity principle (every owner in the facility area is required to contribute).

The amount of the contribution is often based on the size of the plot and floor area; a specific contribution rate, as set out in the BGS/WAS, is payable per ^{square metre} of such areas. However, it is also common for contributions 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 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.