Water service billing. Understand your bill

📅 HOW IS THE BILLING PERIOD DETERMINED?

Your bill includes the water consumed during the period between two meter readings. The length of this billing period may vary. Whether it is shorter or longer than usual, all variable charges (water consumption) are calculated according to the actual number of days in the billing period.

⏳ WHY CAN THE PERIOD BETWEEN METER READINGS BE LONGER?

The interval between meter readings may occasionally be extended for technical, operational or service-planning reasons. When this happens, customers are not disadvantaged, as all variable charges are calculated proportionally to the actual number of days billed.

The commencement of the service during the billing period, together with the transfer of data from the previous service provider, has resulted in a slight delay in billing.

📈 HOW ARE CONSUMPTION TIER LIMITS ADJUSTED WHEN THE BILLING PERIOD IS LONGER?

When the billing period covers more days than usual, the limits of the consumption tiers are increased proportionally. This ensures that customers are not moved into a higher pricing tier simply because their billing period is longer.

🚰 WHAT ARE CONSUMPTION TIERS?

Water consumption is charged using different pricing tiers based on the volume of water consumed. The first tier, which has the lowest price, covers essential water consumption. Higher tiers are charged at higher rates to encourage efficient water use.

When the billing period is longer than usual, the limits of each consumption tier are adjusted proportionally to maintain the same pricing structure. These adjusted tier limits are reflected on your bill.

🏢 WHAT IS THE SERVICE CHARGE?

The service charge is a fixed fee for the availability of the water supply service. It is established as a monthly charge, and each billing period includes three monthly service charges.

Only new service connections and contract cancellations are prorated according to the actual number of days.

This charge contributes to the maintenance of the water distribution network and facilities, water quality control, and customer services.

🔧 WHAT IS THE METER MAINTENANCE FEE?

This fee covers the maintenance, statutory metrological verification and replacement of the water meter when necessary.

Each billing period includes three monthly meter maintenance charges. Only new service connections and contract cancellations are prorated according to the actual number of days.

🌊 WHAT IS THE WATER CANON (CATALAN WATER TAX)?

The Water Canon is an environmental tax on water use that applies to both water consumption and pollution. Its purpose is to encourage the efficient use of this scarce natural resource.

It is administered by the Catalan Water Agency (Agència Catalana de l'Aigua – ACA). The revenue collected is used to finance wastewater treatment, sanitation infrastructure and the sustainable management of water resources.

When the billing period is longer than usual, the limits of the Water Canon consumption tiers are also adjusted proportionally. All amounts collected through this charge are transferred to the Catalan Water Agency.

🧮 HOW IS THE WATER CANON CALCULATED?

Since 2026, the Water Canon has consisted of a fixed component and a variable component.

The variable component is calculated according to water consumption using consumption tiers. The limits of these tiers are adjusted to match the length of the billing period.

The application of this charge is mandatory under Catalan legislation and does not depend on the water service provider. It is regulated by the Catalan Water Agency (ACA) under Decree-Law 5/2025 of 25 March 2025.

🚽 WHAT IS THE SEWERAGE SERVICE?

The sewerage service covers the collection and conveyance of wastewater to treatment facilities.

Under the municipal by-law, this charge may consist of a fixed component and a variable component.

The annual fixed charge for all customers is €8.00.

The annual variable charge depends on the previous year's water consumption and is applied as follows:

All amounts collected for this service are transferred to the Municipal Council.

💶 WHY ARE DIFFERENT VAT RATES APPLIED?

Water consumption and the service charge are generally subject to the reduced VAT rate (10%).

The meter maintenance fee may be subject to the standard VAT rate (21%).

The Water Canon and the sewerage service are exempt from VAT.

📋 WHAT IS AN ESTIMATED METER READING?

An estimated meter reading is used when it is not possible to obtain an actual reading.

Any difference between the estimated and the actual consumption is automatically corrected when the next actual meter reading is taken, ensuring that the customer is not disadvantaged.

Customers must provide access to the water meter so that the service provider can obtain an actual reading.

💳 HOW CAN I PAY MY BILL?

Bills that are not paid by direct debit may be paid at Santander ATMs or at our customer service offices.

SUMEM also provides customers with an online Customer Portal where they can complete the most common account transactions, including paying bills:

https://oficina.sumemelmasnou.cat/

We recommend payment by SEPA Direct Debit, as it provides a convenient, secure and efficient way to ensure payments are made on time.

🔍 WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY WATER CONSUMPTION IS UNEXPECTEDLY HIGH?

We recommend checking for possible internal leaks, such as leaking toilet cisterns or taps.

If you cannot identify the cause of the increased consumption, please contact our Customer Service team so that your case can be reviewed individually.

ℹ️ IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Your water bill reflects not only the water you have consumed but also the availability of the service and the comprehensive management of the entire water cycle.

If you have any questions, the Customer Service Department of SERVEIS URBANS DEL MASNOU EMPRESA MUNICIPAL, S.L. (SUMEM El Masnou) will be pleased to review your account and provide personalised assistance.

Valoración: esta versión tiene un nivel de inglés equivalente al que utilizaría una empresa de suministro de agua del Reino Unido o una administración pública internacional. Se han eliminado prácticamente todos los giros que delataban una traducción literal del catalán o del castellano, manteniendo el contenido jurídico y técnico original.