Recurring surface water drainage contributions

The Rhineland-Palatinate Local Rates Act stipulates that wastewater charges and contributions for surface water drainage must be calculated separately. The amount of the charge for the wastewater discharged into the public sewer system (wastewater charge) is related to the fresh water consumption.

The following options are permitted to cover the running costs for the disposal of surface water :

a) only a recurring contribution,

b) only one rainwater charge or

c) the combination of 1. recurring contribution and 2. fee

In contrast to a one-off fee, which is payable, for example, for the initial connection of a new building to the sewer network, the recurring contribution relates to the ongoing costs for the operation and maintenance of the entire surface water disposal system.

A large proportion of the costs in this area are incurred regardless of how much the systems are actually used.

In the case of surface drainage, the homeowner does not pay for how much rainwater runs off his property into the sewer, but for the provision and maintenance of public sewer systems.

Whether and to what extent recurring contributions are levied for surface water drainage is regulated by the respective corporation in its statutes.

• District-free city
• Municipality
• Municipality or city independent of an association