Exemption from connecting
A property located in the water supply service area has an obligation to connect to the water utility’s water pipe and wastewater sewer. If the owner or occupier of a property located in the service area does not wish to connect the property to water networks, an exemption must be sought from the environmental protection authority of the relevant municipality.
Exemption from connecting to a water pipe or wastewater sewer
An exemption is granted from connecting to a water pipe or wastewater sewer if the connection would cause unreasonable burden to the applicant due to the costs, minimal need for water supply services, or another special reason. In addition, obtaining the exemption requires that the property has access to a sufficient amount of water for household use that meets the relevant requirements, and that the treatment of wastewater is provided in accordance with laws and regulations.
The obligation is determined on different grounds inside and outside population centres. More information is available on cities’ websites.
Exemption from connecting to a stormwater sewer
A property located in the stormwater sewerage area has an obligation to connect to the water utility’s stormwater sewer. If the owner or occupier of a property located in the stormwater sewerage area does not wish to connect the property to the stormwater sewer network, an exemption must be sought from the environmental protection authority of the relevant municipality.
An exemption is granted from connecting to a stormwater sewer if connecting to the stormwater sewer would cause unreasonable burden to the customer due to the costs, minimal need for stormwater sewerage services, or another special reason. In addition, granting the exemption requires that the property’s stormwater can be treated and conducted without causing detriment to neighbours.
More information on applying for an exemption from connecting to a water pipe, wastewater sewer and/or stormwater sewer is available on the cities’ websites:
- City of Espoo
- City of Helsinki
- City of Kauniainen
- City of Vantaa: water and wastewater as well as stormwater
Even if the property is exempted from connecting to a network, HSY will issue a connection point statement to indicate the connection points to all the networks with the property included in their service/sewerage area. All properties located in the stormwater sewerage area are subject to the basic rate for stormwater. More information about stormwater sewerage fees is available on our Stormwater pages.