Surface water charges

Drainage charges rest on assumptions. Test them.

Many commercial water bills include a charge for draining rainwater from roofs, yards and car parks into the public sewer. The figure depends on supplier records of your site area and drainage routes. Where those records are wrong, Portrait measures the site, corrects the account and reclaims the overpayment.

No reduction, no fee

For qualifying instructions the LiDAR scan is arranged at no upfront survey charge under signed terms. Our fee applies only if a qualifying reduction, refund or agreed saving is achieved.

The issue

Why surface water bills are so often wrong

Charges are typically set from historic site areas, mapped boundaries and broad assumptions about where water goes. Sites change. Surfaces are replaced, drainage is rerouted, and boundaries are redrawn, while the billing record stays put.

Chargeable area based on outdated or generalised measurements
Roofs and hardstanding that drain to soakaway, SUDS or a watercourse, not the sewer
Shared estates where apportionment between occupiers was never resolved
Charge bands that no longer match the measured extent of the premises

The method

Scan, analyse, evidence, reclaim

01

Scan

LiDAR capture of roofs, yards and surfaces produces a measured schedule of the site as it drains today.

02

Analyse

We set the measured areas against the water company’s records, tariff bands and drainage assumptions.

03

Evidence

Findings go into a supplier-ready pack: measured plans, drainage routes and the corrected charge basis.

04

Reclaim

We pursue the correction and any backdated refund with the supplier or wholesaler, and report the outcome.

Check my site

Ask for a drainage charge review

Send the site address and a recent water bill. We come back in writing with a view on whether the charge basis looks sound, and what a review would involve. No fee for the check.

Business Name *

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Water Supplier / Retailer*

Supply Account Number (if known)

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First Name*

Last Name*

Position in company*

Phone Number*

Email*

Address 1*

Address 2

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Add me to a project

Express interest only

I, (an authorised person on behalf of the company hereby grant Portrait Group Limited and its representatives, the authority to act on behalf of the company in relation to the supply of its water. This can include (but not limited to):

• Discussing the water supply with the relevant provider and any organisation responsible for the provision or maintenance of the service.
• Discussing waste water management & charges with the relevant provider.
• Discussing matters relating to invoices / billing & rebates.

Furthermore, Portrait Group Limited may receive and examine any notices, documents or information related to such matters and handle them accordingly. This Letter of Authority is proof of my consent and authority given to Portrait Group Limited to act on our behalf.

I agree to the terms and conditions.

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Two minutes with a water bill is enough to start

A first assessment is free and commits you to nothing. We reply in writing with a clear view of whether a case is worth pursuing.

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