Ministry of Infrastructure has started work on fresh regulations on drainage of rainwater and melting waters – reports legartis.pl. Recently, municipalities have been faced with the problem of the deficiency of clear basis for charging for discharge fees.
According to information collected by legartis.pl, presently the municipalities do not have clear statutory grounds for determining rainwater charges. After changes in the qualification of rainwaters which have ceased to be treated as sewage, local authorities cannot take into account the rates for their discharge in the tariffs of collective water supply and drainage charges.
However, despite the deficiency of formal basis, local governments are obliged to pay fees for the discharge of rainwater to the Polish Water Company.
Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, Przemysław Koperski, responding to a parliamentary interpellation, confirmed that the ministry is working on changes in the law to address the problems of the municipalities related to the deficiency of legal bases to charge for the discharge of rainwater or melting water. At the same time, he stressed that the introduction of rules allowing the imposition of charges on service users requires careful analysis and adequate time to make optimal solutions.
Controversy around the Rain Charge
The rain levy, besides known as a rain taxation or concrete tax, is based on the Water Law Act. Its aim is to combat the phenomenon of land concrete and to encourage the usage of green solutions. This taxation aims to compensate for the effects of droughts and always lower levels of groundwater. Areas that are concreteized, due to deficiency of vegetation, are incapable to halt the rain, resulting in its drainage into the sewer. Especially in areas with a advanced degree of construction and a low amount of natural green, water retention is limited, leading to its accumulation in the ground.
It is worth noting that the rain taxation is not a unique phenomenon for Poland. akin charges besides work in another countries specified as Italy, Germany and the United States. Although this tribute was introduced already in 2018, work on it was resumed in 2022, suggesting that the rates may be increased.
The rain taxation covers both agrarian and urban areas. This charge is to be paid by property owners whose territory is characterised by a advanced degree of concreteisation and low retention of water in the field.
Changes planned
The proposed changes to the law, aimed at regulating the discharge charge, may have a crucial impact on the functioning of local governments and property owners. The introduction of clear rules to charge fees can contribute to expanding environmental awareness and promoting solutions conducive to water retention in the field. However, it is essential to carefully analyse the possible impacts and make appropriate solutions to guarantee a balance between social and environmental interests.
Ignacy Michałowski
OSINT investigator with experience in global journalism projects. It has been publishing materials for over 20 years for the largest releases. In social activities he engaged in various projects and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of people, especially those of mediocre communities. He was besides active in the fight for human rights. Contact: kontakt@legaartis.pl
