[Philip Hanson]

Since using wfp, I have found (as no doubt you all have) that my water bills have increased significantly.  (we are on a water meter)

For example, as we an RO machine, to make 1,000 Litres of pure water (about a week's supply for us) it uses 3,000 Litres of tap water.  The cost of this is as follows:
[1 cubic metre = 1,000 Litres)

Water Supply price @ £0.75 per cubic metre = £2.25

Sewage Charge @ £1.07 per cubic metre = £3.21
Less 5% not returnes to sewer (£0.16)

Total cost for 1 week's supply : £5.30
This is for Wessex Water

Now, the sewer charge is the charge for the water company maintaining the drains etc, and they assume that 95% of the water we use ends up down the drain.  They allow us 5% for "car washing etc" as they say this will evaporate and not go down the drain.  Otherwise the sewer charge is based on how much water you use.

The leaflet says that if you believe more of the water you use does not go down the drain, you can get a reduction in the sewer charge. Do you think we could argue that as we're using the water for window cleaning, this too will evaporate, and not go down the drain?  Perhaps we could get a further reduction?

I'm afraid to ask the water company in case they say "Oh, its business use eh?  well we'll put you on our business tariff at £100 a week" or something like that.

What do you think?

-Phil

[WavieDavie]

Phone from a public phone box and, if they ask, say you're a firm from the other side of town
Sorry!

I only need DI and asked the local water board how much it would be for a standpipe - to save me lugging drums of water around, I could fill up via the DI unit in any street. They said I couldn't buy one, I'd need to hire one from them at the equivalent of £8 per week. Unlimited supply of water, right enough, but I think you're on a bargain at present Phil.

Needless to say, I now fill up any empty drums at client's premises, ready for the next job with no access to a tap.

[Craig_Mawlam]

Something else to think about, if you produce Pure Water for commercial purposed in your home or garage you actually need planning permission for change of use (this does not apply when the kit is fitted in a van or trailer). Applying for Planning permission will alert those who administer business rates and the water board, because in effect you have turned your home into a water processing factory.

Now please don't laugh because I know of window cleaners who have been through the mill on this one. When they were dobbed in by neighbours the very same neighbours then objected to the planning application and this ultimately lead to the window cleaners in question having to move into commercial premises with all the additional costs that involves.

Professional Suppliers really should advise you of the need for planning permission before they sell you an "in the garage system".

Best regards

Craig Mawlam

[Philip Hanson]

Oh dear, I didnt like the sound of all that Craig just said.  I better keep the garden tidy so it doesnt look like a water factory.

Corr,  I wish I had 20k for a van system.

-Philip

[Craig_Mawlam]

Generally I think you can get away with it, you're only likely to have problems if someone dobbs you in. Other than that it depends whether you want to run the risk.

The folks I mentioned kept going back at various times of the day for top ups, and the old lady next door got fed up of hearing the bad language from the staff while they were filling up.

The neighbour of the over window cleaners got jealous when they bought a new car and thought that they were making to much money while running a business from home and avoiding business rates etc.

Craig