The National Water Commission offers water supply and sewerage services under two broad categories — Domestic/Residential or Commercial. Residential accounts are usually billed at a lower rate per 1,000 gallons, so getting your account's classification right matters.
Which Category Applies?
Classification is based on how the premises is actually used — not just what it's called.
Domestic / Residential
Premises where water is consumed specifically for domestic purposes.
- Applies once the premises is habitable
- At least 2/3 of water consumed must be for domestic use
- Service connection capped at 25mm (1 inch)
Commercial
Supplies connected to a premises for the purposes of trade or business.
- Applies to any trade or business use
- Includes premises under residential construction (see below)
- Rate reviewed once actual use is confirmed
How NWC Assesses Your Rate
Your account is billed based on the premises' observed use — here's the process from application to any later change.
Projected use is assessed at application
It's the Commission's duty to assess a premises and bill the account in line with its observed use, from the date that use was first observed.
New residential construction starts at the Commercial rate
Where a new supply will be used for residential construction, the Commercial Rate applies to that account for the duration of the build.
Notify NWC once construction is complete
Let the Commission know the residence is complete and request a rate review. An inspection will follow to verify conditions before the applicable rate is applied.
Tell us early if your use changes
NWC urges customers to state the specific use of a property at initial application, and to report any change of use as early as possible so the correct rate can be charged.
Think your property is billed under the wrong category?
Request a Review →