Exemption from connection to the water supply and sewerage network
Within the service area of a water utility, a property must generally be connected to the utility’s water supply and sewerage network. However, the property owner may apply for an exemption from the connection obligation. Outside urban areas, a property may also qualify for relief from the connection obligation.
Relief from connection obligation outside urban areas
The Water Services Act provides for relief from the connection obligation for properties located outside urban areas.
Conditions for qualifying for relief
Outside urban areas, a property does not need to be connected to the water supply if
the property’s water supply and wastewater system was constructed before the water utility’s service area was approved; and
the property has access to domestic water that meets quality requirements
Outside urban areas, a property does not need to be connected to the sewerage network if
the property’s water supply and wastewater system was constructed before the water utility’s service area was approved and wastewater treatment complies with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act; or
the property does not have a flush toilet and its wastewater treatment complies with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act
Exemption from connection obligation
The municipal environmental protection authority may, upon application, grant an exemption from the connection obligation to the water supply and/or sewerage network. An exemption is granted if all the conditions set out in the Water Services Act are met. A fee according to the tariff is charged for processing the application.
Conditions for granting an exemption from connection obligation
connection would be unreasonable due to costs, limited need for water utility services, or other comparable special reason
granting the exemption does not jeopardize the provision of water services within the water utility’s service area
the property has access to domestic water that meets quality requirements (if applying for exemption from connection to the water supply)
wastewater treatment on the property can be arranged in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act (if applying for exemption from connection to the sewerage network)
How to proceed
Apply for an exemption from connection to the water supply and/or sewerage network using the electronic form below. Attach a domestic water test result to the application when applying for exemption from connection to the water supply. Attach a description of the property’s wastewater system to the application when applying for exemption from connection to the sewerage network.
Consultation with the health protection authority and the water utility
Hearing of the applicant
Official decision
Notification of decision and invoicing
Appeal period
The decision is legally binding if no appeal is filed.
Background and legislation
The connection obligation and exemptions for water services are regulated in Sections 10 and 11 of the Water Services Act (119/2001).
The connection obligation was amended on 1 January 2026 as a result of legislative reform. However, due to transitional provisions, Sections 10 and 11 of the Act in force at the time the Act entered into force continue to apply for the time being.
