A wastewater levy is charged for the discharge of wastewater (sewage and polluted precipitation water) into surface water or groundwater. This can be offset under certain conditions.

You discharge wastewater into a surface water or into groundwater and have, for example, made investments for:

• the construction/expansion of wastewater treatment plants (§ 10 para. 3 AbwAG) or

• the construction/expansion of facilities that feed wastewater from existing discharges to a wastewater treatment facility (§ 10 Para. 4 AbwAG)

e.g. construction of a separate sewer system to connect small discharges or a suburban sewer system to a wastewater treatment plant; construction of a storm sewer through which the precipitation water is fed to a rainwater clarifier, construction of a RÜB to eliminate a stormwater overflow into the water body.

This results in a reduction of the levy amount to be paid or in the reimbursement of a levy amount already paid.

The expenses incurred can be offset against the total levy owed for this facility in the three years prior to the facility's commissioning. The calculation of the offsetting period is carried out to the day. It is not possible to offset the increased part of the wastewater charge due to the exceeding of a monitoring value. You must apply to the responsible office for offsetting of the expenses incurred using the appropriate forms. The responsible office will be happy to assist you with any questions that may arise and will request further documents or proof of the offsetting measure if necessary.