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If you have had a concealed leak on your commercial property that has caused a sudden increase in your bill, you may be eligible for a Sewerage Usage Allowance. 

Good to know

Unitywater does not adjust water usage charges for commercial customers who have had a concealed leak.

However, these customers can apply for a credit adjustment to the sewerage usage charges, which are calculated based on their water usage.

We understand these charges are abnormally inflated when there is a leak. The Sewerage Usage Allowance acknowledges the impact of a leak on the sewerage usage component of the bill.

Understand the charges on your bill

Sewerage Usage Allowance explained

The sewerage usage allowance for commercial customers is:

  • a credit on the account of 100% of the excess sewerage usage charge, over and above the property average
  • adjusted over a maximum of 2 billing quarters, including the period in which the leak was repaired. If the leak was not repaired promptly, the adjustment applies to the period in which you were notified of the leak.

Please note: sewerage usage allowances are applied to concealed leaks only, as defined by our Concealed Leaks Policy (PDF 173KB), not leaks from:

  • leaking taps, toilet cisterns, hot-water systems or other water appliances
  • faulty plumbing or human error resulting in the filling of a rainwater tank
  • swimming pools, spas, or their related fittings. 

If you have a shared meter (tenanted units), your rebate will be calculated just like your bills: as a percentage of your overall usage.

More information about understanding your bill

How to apply

When you've confirmed you are eligible, fill out the Sewerage Usage Charge Adjustment Application Form and send it to us.

We'll reply with an acknowledgement letter or email confirming we've received your request.

The Metering Team will review your application and you will be advised in writing of the outcome.

Please complete and submit the form below, along with the plumber's invoice or a Statutory Declaration (PDF 108KB) detailing the repair of the leak:

Sewerage Usage Charge Adjustment Application Form (PDF 442 KB)

Handy links

Is your bill higher than normal?Concealed Leaks Policy PDFManage your water costsStop problems occurring
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