NI Water has announced that from 1st April 2024, non-domestic water and sewerage charges will rise by 4.7% on average.

NI Water Director of Finance, Regulation & Commercial, Ronan Larkin, commented:

“We are aware this is a challenging time for businesses and the economy. Like many of our business customers, NI Water continues to face significant financial pressures from continued high energy prices, high inflationary conditions, and other cost increases.

“Whilst any increase is of course unwelcome, we have worked hard to ensure most of our customers will see their bills rise by less than inflation. Specific bill changes operate according to a formula agreed with the Northern Ireland Utility Regulator.

"NI Water continues to invest in water and drainage infrastructure to support health, the economy and the environment in Northern Ireland. Sustained investment in maintaining and growing this infrastructure is important to continue to meet the needs of all our customers.

“Measured bills will rise by 4.1%, while unmeasured and trade effluent bills will rise by 5.3% and 6.8% respectively.

“NI Water is mindful of the impact of price rises and it is therefore important that customers who may need extra help with their bill communicate with us as soon as possible. Our billing team will be on hand to offer guidance.

“Customers can access our online self-service portal when paying a bill, managing account(s), or viewing water consumption details.”

Leaflets will be mailed to non-domestic customers to notify them of the forthcoming pricing changes and how they will be applied.

The need to raise tariffs reflects the impact rising inflation has had on the cost of providing water and sewerage services to customers.

Non-domestic customers include: small, medium and large businesses, farms, industrial users, voluntary organisations and charities, public bodies, churches and non-household use properties.