The object of this Regulation is to determine the terms and conditions and the method of operation of the Stormwater Sewage Network – Sewage in the area of responsibility of the Municipal Water Supply and Sewage Enterprise of the Municipality of Rhodes (DEYAR). Its provisions apply to the owners of properties that use (or can or will use) the sewage system. The terms and conditions for discharging into the sewage networks or into the managed streams or generally into open drains, waste from industries, crafts, hospitals, laboratories, workshops, stables, slaughterhouses or from other harmful uses, are determined by decisions of the Board of Directors of DEYAR. The Regulation is drafted having regard to:

  • The provisions of L. 1069/1980 “On incentives for the establishment of Water Supply and Sewage Enterprises” (Government Gazette 191 A’ / 23-8-1980)
  • The N. 2307/1995 (Chapter B – Water Supply and Sewage Enterprises, Government Gazette 113 A’ / 11-3-1995)
  • The provisions of the “General Building Regulation”.
  • The Technical Instruction of Technical Chamber of Greece. (T.O.T.E.E. 2412/86) “Installations in buildings and land: Sewers”
  • ELOT ITP 1501-04-04-01-01 “General requirements for domestic wastewater installations”
  • The Ministerial decisions and approvals (No. Ok. 5673/400-GG 192/14-303-1997) “Measures and conditions for the treatment of urban waste water”

The proper operation of the stormwater and sewage networks is the responsibility of all the city’s residents, who, together with the authorities, must collaborate with DEYAR in the effective execution of its mission. The goal of all should be the protection of public health and the environment.

  1. DEYAR owns the rainwater and wastewater drainage networks located in its area of responsibility and is charge of their design, construction, maintenance, operation, management, and functioning, in accordance with Law. 1069/80, as in effect at any given time.
  2. No water will be supplied to properties if, after an inspection, it is found that their rainwater is draining into the sewage system. If these are properties that are already receiving water, DEYAR may disconnect their water supply.
  3. Property owners and water users in general, are obliged to comply with the terms of this Regulation and the relevant decisions of the Board of DEYAR. In case of non-compliance, DEYAR may cut off the water supply or impose a fine, the amount of which is determined by decision of its Board of Directors. If there is a relapse, the benefit is discontinued for a period of up to three months, following a decision of the Board of Directors. The interruption of the water supply does not release the recipient from his financial and other obligations to DEYAR and in particular from the obligation to pay the value of the minimum consumption limit.

1. Separate Sewer System: It is a system consisting of two separate sewage networks (sewers), namely the wastewater (sewage) network and the stormwater network.
2. Combined Sewer System: It is the system for collecting and discharging sewage and stormwater through a common pipeline.
3. Wastewater or Sewage: It refers to the total of liquids and the solids carried by them, which flow together through a network of pipes, discharged from all areas of activity within a region, with water as the carrier. Sewage is classified based on its composition (not its origin) into:

  • Domestic Sewage: It refers to the liquids and the solids carried by them, which are discharged from buildings used for human social activities, such as residential areas, recreational spaces, etc.
  • Wastewater: It refers to the contaminated liquids and the solids carried by them, which are discharged from areas of productive human activities, such as workshops, industrial facilities, and spaces of specialized activities like hospitals, clinics, laboratories, workshops, slaughterhouses, etc.

4. Rainwater: Rainwater, water from melting snow, water from roofs, gardens, washing of streets and squares and ground water (springing from the aquifer) are considered. 5. Legal connection: It is the connection of the drainage of a property to the definitive or integrated drainage network, which has been made after approval by the competent service (DEYA – OTA – etc.). Evidence of a legal connection is the relevant certificate from the competent body that constructed it and the relevant investigation by the competent DEYAR Service to confirm it. 6. Illegal connection: It is the connection of the drainage of a property to the drainage network, which has been made without the approval of DEYAR. For the illegal drainage of sewage, rainwater and other liquids of a property into the sewerage network, the provisions of Annex 1 of this regulation shall apply. 7. Connection pipe or branch: It is the pipe across the width of the approved road that connects the internal plumbing installation of a property with a pipe of the final sewerage network, i.e. the section between the F.E.S. and the sewerage network, which will hereinafter be called the “branch”. 8. Adjustment or sidewalk manhole or F.E.S.: It is the connection control manhole into which the sewage flows from the internal network of the property and from which it enters the connection pipe. It will hereinafter be called the “F.E.S.”. 9. External sewage branch or connection: It is the entire external sewage installation for the transfer of the property’s sewage to the network (F.E.S. and branch) and will hereinafter be called “connection”. 10. Rainwater collection well or grate: It is the well in which a grate is placed and into which the rainwater from the streets flows. It is usually constructed on the roadway next to the sidewalk kennel or where the approved studies specify, for the collection of rainwater. It will hereinafter be called “grate”. 11. Connection fee or right: It is the amount charged once by DEYAR to each property that can and must be connected to the final sewage network. Hereinafter referred to as “connection fee” or “connection fee” 12. Connection (branching) cost: It is the cost of constructing the connection to the sewage network (branching and F.E.S.). It corresponds to the amount charged by DEYAR to each property connected to the sewage network. 13. Sewer usage fee or sewage usage fee: It is the amount collected by DEYAR for the use of the sewage network to which the property can be connected, or the use of the sewage treatment facilities when there is no possibility of connecting to the sewage network. It is proportional to the water consumption.

The separate system (rainwater – sewage) has been chosen as the “Sewage system” of Rhodes; as it has been gradually developed in accordance with the existing approved studies, replacing the pre-existing Combined Sewer System. The “final sewage network” consists of the wastewater and stormwater pipes, overflow structures, pumping stations, and generally any infrastructure designed for the collection and transportation of wastewater and stormwater to the final discharge points, in accordance with the relevant approved plans. The final sewage network also includes all external branches, stormwater drainage manholes and property wastewater disposal point that are connected. The “final sewage network” is the property of the Company. The “final sewage network” may also include pipelines constructed or to be constructed by third parties, as long as they are located outside the properties, or even inside the properties, if deemed appropriate by DEYAR. In these pipelines, DEYAR has obligations and rights similar to those it has in the rest of the permanent network.

The pipes of the final sewage network and the external branches are constructed in approved roads or public spaces.
Public spaces are defined in accordance with the provisions of the General Building Regulation (G.O.K.), as applicable.
DEYAR is prohibited from performing any work within the property boundary line.
The design, construction, integration, operation, and maintenance of the pipes of the final network and the external branches are carried out by DEYAR.

1. In every street where there is a final sewage system pipeline in operation, it is mandatory that all adjacent properties be connected to this pipeline for the drainage of sewage from buildings or other facilities located thereon. The procedure for connecting properties to the sewage network is described in Article 18 of this Regulation. In the event that the owners of the properties do not respond to the invitation of DEYAR to connect their properties, then the procedure provided for in ANNEX 1 of this Regulation shall be applied. 2. Discharge of stormwater into the wastewater pipeline is strictly prohibited, as is the discharge of wastewater into the stormwater pipeline. Wastewater should be directed to the wastewater pipes, and stormwater to the stormwater pipes. Property owners are required to separate the internal drainage networks of their properties accordingly and discharge rainwater into the street gutter by any means available. If any technical limitations prevent this, the method of rainwater disposal will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the relevant DEYAR department, following a formal request by the interested party. If they do not separate their internal networks, the procedure provided for in ANNEX 1 to these Rules shall apply. 3. Connection to the wastewater pipeline is mandatory even for properties that front only on private roads, arcades, or similar areas, which are designated as public spaces under the applicable regulations. In these cases, the connections and the required pipelines are constructed by the owners of the properties or, following a decision of the Board of DEYAR, constructed by DEYAR with the participation of the owners and their maintenance is carried out by DEYAR, as for the other works of the final network, in accordance with L. 1069/80. For their inclusion in the permanent network, Article 15 of the Regulation shall apply. 4. In order to connect a property that has no frontage on an approved street and drainage is only possible through adjacent lots, the consent of the owners of the adjacent lot must be obtained, subject to the following conditions:

  • The sewer line of the property to be connected shall be independent of the neighboring property from which it passes and shall end separately at the P.W.D.P., from where it will be connected to the main sewer system.
  • The neighbouring property has to be already connected to the definitive Sewage network. In case there are no buildings in it, the owner of the property will submit a declaration for the mandatory construction of an independent internal sewer line which will end in the same P.W.D.P.

5. The connection obligations in the preceding paragraphs shall also apply to properties draining into old pipelines that are part of the final network and shall not be removed after the construction of the pipelines of the permanent network. 6. If two branches of the final Sewage system are to be constructed on a street, the properties in the right-of-way must be connected to the sewer in front of them and not to the opposite branch. 7. The drainage of stormwater from plots or properties by direct connection to a stormwater drainage system is prohibited. The drainage of stormwater with a direct connection to a rainwater collection well in special cases, such as when rainwater ponds in uncovered areas and there is no other way to remove them is only with “Special Permit” of the competent Department of DEYAR and only if the connection of the property with the sewage network has been made. 8. The DEYAR Board may approve temporary deferral of connection for facilities to be maintained for less than one year upon request of the owner, accompanied by relevant official evidence.

1. The waste water drainage system of the property must be designed to drain the waste water from all activities and, in general, urban or domestic waste water and water that qualifies for discharge into the waste water network. 2. The discharge of the following substances is prohibited, even if they originate in part or in whole from domestic use: a) Substances that generally come from cesspools, sealed or absorptive, if they have not been pre-treated appropriately so that their quality corresponds to the quality of domestic wastewater and if a permit from DEYAR has not been obtained. b) All solid waste and any kind of material that can clog the drains, such as restaurant grease, demolition products, sand, ash, rags, animal manure, slaughterhouse waste, difficult to biodegrade materials (plastic pieces, glass, etc.) even through garbage disposals or other similar means. c) Flammable or explosive or other substances that may cause damage to the Sewage system or endanger the lives of maintenance personnel and citizens. d) Gases and vapours. e) Substances which produce poisonous or asphyxiating gases or which, due to their content of acids, alkalis, salts, tar, etc., may damage the materials of construction of Sewage pipes. f) Liquids that may cause difficulties in the operation of the pipelines, such as those causing precipitation, chemical precipitation, sedimentation or deposits in the pipelines and coloured sewage water, etc. g) Substances which, due to decomposition, fermentation, etc., create strong or annoying fumes. h) Liquids with a high content, at the discretion of DEYAR, of fats and oils. i) Liquids with a temperature above 35 degrees Celsius. j) Liquids in such a large quantity that, in the judgment of DEYAR and the services of the relevant bodies, cause difficulties in the smooth operation of the Sewage network. k) Liquids in general that do not meet the conditions of the specifications in force at the time for the protection of pipelines and Sewage installations. l) Liquids in general with substances and especially metals that may have a detrimental effect on the operation of wastewater treatment plants (biological treatment plants, etc.). m) Wastewater whose pH, measured at the Wastewater Deposit Point, is found to be outside the limits of 6 to 8. 3. If on the property there are or will be installed in the future, uses that produce grease, starch, sludge or sand, light liquids (gasoline, diesel oil, lighting oil, etc.), without the construction of the necessary special wells (grease trap, starch separator, sludge separator or light liquid separator), approved by the Dewatering Service of DEYAR. 4. Stormwater must be piped out of the property onto the sidewalk or into the street gutter. 5. Connection of groundwater from subsurface drainage to closed stormwater pipes is not permitted. Upon request of the owner concerned and if the property has been previously connected to the sewage network, it is decided by the competent department of DEYAR.

After the relevant control, depending on the composition and quality of the groundwater and ONLY with a Special Permit of DEYAR, the connection of the groundwater to the sewage network or the stormwater network may be allowed. In these cases, in addition to the above-mentioned permit, the internal installation of the groundwater drainage system is required to be independent from the rest of the internal network of the property and equipped with an automatic safety valve and a manual hydro-locking valve. The connection of the groundwater to the sewage network is made at the property’s P.W.D.P., while the connection to the rainwater network is made at a rainwater collection well. 6. Waste and unclean water from industries, crafts, factories, workshops, hospitals, schools, petrol stations, stables and other special installations are discharged into the sewage network only after a special permit from DEYAR, granted by its Board of Directors with the agreement of the Sewage Service and the Waste Water Treatment Plant Service and as long as the interested party: a) Submits to DEYAR an application accompanied by a preliminary treatment study, which shows that the wastewater meets the requirements to be classified as domestic wastewater. b) Pays the amount provided for each time by the applicable tariff policy of DEYAR. 7. The clean water (condensation water, cooling water, from lifting equipment, etc.) of industries, crafts, factories, workshops, hospitals, schools, petrol stations, stables, and other special facilities are drained into the stormwater network after a special permit of DEYAR, issued after an application by the interested party accompanied by a study of the connected facilities. In any case where, despite the provisions, dangerous or harmful substances enter the drainage networks, such as from leaking tanks of special liquids etc., the owner of the property must take every measure for their timely removal and immediately notify DEYAR. DEYAR reserves the right to disconnect the property from the sewer system until the discharge of hazardous or harmful substances has ceased.

The use of water from regulated or unregulated streams or storm drains for any purpose is prohibited without a “Special Permit” issued by DEYAR. If it is determined that usage occurs without a “Special Permit” from DEYAR, the provisions outlined in ANNEX 1 of this Regulation shall be enforced.

1. The “Internal Property Sewage Network” refers to the entirety of the internal plumbing system used for the drainage of wastewater and stormwater within a property. The internal network of the properties is constructed and maintained at the care and expense of the owners of the properties, in accordance with the relevant provisions in force at any given time (Technical Instructions of the Greek Technical Chamber, Regulation of internal plumbing installations, General requirements for domestic wastewater installations, etc.). All the pipes of the internal Sewage installation are connected to a single pipe inside the property and from there they are led to the P.W.D.P. The owner of the property is obliged to separate the internal sewage drainage system from the internal stormwater drainage system of the property and to drain separately the unclean water and the stormwater. If industrial or other waste is present in a property in addition to domestic sewage and stormwater, the owner of the property is obliged to construct a separate internal network for this waste. The owner of the property is solely responsible for any damage that may occur to his property or elsewhere, due to lack of protection measures or poor operation of the property’s internal network. Elevation Level: DEYAR defines the elevation level for a property’s wastewater as the level of the sidewalk at the point where the property’s internal wastewater network connects to the sewer system. All drainage installations of properties located below this elevation level must be protected against the potential reversal of flow from the sewer system. The Elevation Level is the what determines the separation between sewage drainage by natural gravity flow and pumping of sewage to raise the level. The same distinction applies to the drainage of stormwater from properties. The depth at the end of the main collector pipe of the property’s internal sewer system, where the P.W.D.P. is constructed as defined in Plan 1 accompanying the Regulations, shall not exceed 0.70 m. The depth of this pipeline may be greater than the permitted depth only if other construction reasons require it and at the discretion of DEYAR it is necessary. Before connecting the property, the interested parties must request from DEYAR, through their application, regarding the Sewage system operating in the area of the property and the elevation of the property’s connection level to the street line and the location of the branch if it has already been constructed by DEYAR, in order to construct the property’s internal network accordingly. In the internal network of the properties and under the responsibility and care of the owner, all the measures provided for protection against inversion of the raw sewage of the elevation level are taken. DEYAR is not responsible in case of damage caused by blockage from any cause either of the main pipeline or the connection to the property. The internal plumbing drainage system must be watertight, with no surface overflows or runoff to adjacent properties.

Before the end of the main collection pipe of the internal Sewage system of the property and definitely before the P.W.D.P., the property owners must place a “general odour trap” (mechanical siphon), in order to prevent the entry of gases and unpleasant odours from the sewage system into the internal sewage system of the property. The mechanical siphon is part of the internal installations and must be installed and maintained at the care, responsibility and expense of the owner of the property. Its location must be suitable for inspection, when necessary, by the competent bodies legally responsible for the operation of the Sewage system. Also, where required, at the discretion of DEYAR and depending on the type of wastewater, the construction of a grease trap – mechanical siphon must be installed by the owner before the P.W.D.P. If the owner fails to comply with DEYAR’s instructions, the wastewater service will be discontinued. 2. The presence of septic tanks, whether sealed or absorptive, is prohibited within the internal network of a property once it is connected to the wastewater pipeline. Connections between the internal drainage network of a property and the corresponding pipes of the permanent sewer system must be made directly, without the involvement of septic tanks, whether sealed or not, the construction of which is prohibited in this case. 3. In the event that a property is not subject to the provisions set forth in the preceding paragraphs, DEYAR, except as provided in ANNEX 1 of these Regulations, may disconnect the water supply and the connection of the property to the main.

1. ” External wastewater branch or connection” refers to the external drainage installation for wastewater, as defined in Article 3 of this Regulation, and includes:
a) The adjustment manhole or sidewalk manhole that is the Property Wastewater Deposit Point (P.W.D.P.) to which the property’s internal network terminates.
b) The connection pipe along the width of the approved road (fork) that connects the P.W.D.P. with the Sewage system pipe that passes in front of the property.
Indicatively, the branch, the P.W.D.P. and their construction method is shown in plan 1 accompanying the regulation.
The position of the P.W.D.P. is defined by DEYAR.
In external branches of wastewater that were not constructed by the former Water Supply – Sewage companies or the former municipalities, DEYAR following the entry into force of this regulation, may construct the adjustment manholes in cases where they do not exist and if problems arise in the operation and maintenance of external branches. In these cases, the cost of constructing the manholes is charged either directly to the owners of the properties or through the water bills if they do not respond. The depth of the Property Wastewater Deposit Point (P.W.D.P.), as defined on Plan 1 accompanying the regulation, is approximately 0.70 m. If the Sewage system is shallow, the construction of the external branching is allowed at a depth of less than 0.70 m, but then the protection of the pipes against breakage must be ensured. The external branching shall be constructed, as a rule, under the water supply pipes. If this is not possible, then the complete tightness of the branch pipes must be ensured. The P.W.D.P. is used for monitoring and maintaining the branch line and shall be constructed by DEYAR (unless already constructed by the owner and approved by DEYAR) at the most appropriate location at the discretion of the department immediately outside the property line. For industries, crafts or other similar uses of the property, this manhole is also a manhole for the control and sampling of waste (treated or not) by DEYAR and the competent state authorities.
If the manhole cannot be constructed immediately outside the property’s street line, then it shall be constructed inside the property and as close as possible to the street line, in a location that is directly accessible and free, as determined by DEYAR.
2. “External stormwater drainage branch” means the part of the permanent stormwater drainage system for stormwater, as defined in Article 3 of these Regulations, which includes: a) The stormwater collection pit or grate where the rainwater is directed. b) The connection pipeline running across the approved road.
c) The connection of this pipe to the stormwater network main. Indicatively, the external stormwater drainage branch and its construction method is shown on plan 2 accompanying the regulation. 3. The external branches of the sewage and rainwater are constructed by DEYAR. The cost of external sewage branches constructed by DEYAR shall be charged to the property owners in accordance with Article 22 of this Regulation. 4. No one, except for DEYAR in accordance with the applicable regulations, is permitted to carry out any drainage work outside the city plan boundary line without written authorization from DEYAR or the competent authorities.

5. The repair and maintenance of all external branches as well as the main of the network are carried out by DEYAR at its own expense. In cases where the damage is due to misuse of the network, the cost of the damage to the external branches is charged to the person responsible for the property, and is included in the next water invoice. DEYAR has the right to disconnect the water supply if this charge is not paid. If the damage is to the main then the relevant costs are charged to the parties responsible. 6. Mains and external branches that have been constructed by third parties and cannot be included in the final network, are maintained by DEYAR if their operation is necessary, until they are removed with the construction of the final pipelines and external branches. The relevant maintenance costs are charged to the owners of the property if they cannot prove that the connection was made legally, with the permission of the competent authority. In no case shall the corresponding maintenance intervention or the charge for the related expenses be considered as legalization of the existing drainage condition.

1. Each connection to the wastewater network typically serves a single property. All buildings located within a single plot are considered part of one property and are connected through a single connection. At the discretion of the competent department of DEYAR, approval may be granted for the connection of more than one property to the same connection. 2. As an exception to the previous paragraph and at the discretion of the competent department of DEYAR, connection to more than one sewage connection for a property is allowed in case: a) More than one branch line has been constructed in advance by DEYAR in front of the property b) Very large buildings c) Independent buildings located on the same plot, but in such a way that the plot can be divided into independent properties d) For buildings constructed before the construction of the final network on the street where the connection is made. The minimum distance of the branches of the above cases b, c and d, if they end in the conductor of the same road, is set at 10.00 m. Where these distances are not ensured, the construction of more than one external branch shall not be permitted. 3. If a property contains domestic sewage and industrial or other wastewater, then for each type of drained liquid there must be a separate internal network and if DEYAR deems it necessary, it may impose the construction of corresponding – separate – external branches and control wells, even if the above requirements for the distances between them are not met. 4. For properties that have frontage on more than one street, where there are ducts of the permanent network, according to Article 4 of this Regulation, the connection is made with the duct that best serves the property with the agreement of the service. If there is a main of the final network in one of two roads for example, the property is connected to it, as long as the owner requires the direct connection to his property.

1. Basements or other areas where the drainage floor is below the elevation level as defined in Article 9 of the Regulation, may not be drained by natural gravity flow to the final street drain and mechanical water elevation (pumping) must be provided, at the owner’s responsibility and expense. The dimensions of the tank from which the waste is to be pumped are such that pumping is carried out at intervals not exceeding 3 hours. Under no circumstances shall pumps be placed in existing cesspools or in pumping stations with an excessively large active pumping volume. 2. For the drainage of such low areas, DEYAR may, exceptionally, allow the drainage of all or part of the property from an adjacent lot under the conditions provided for in Article 6, para. 3 of this Regulation. This permit is granted only after a written declaration by the property owner “that he will not have any claim for compensation in the event of damage to his property caused by flooding or any other cause, and that he will be responsible for any damage caused by the aforementioned cause to third parties, as well as for the payment of the costs that will be needed to repair the aforementioned damage”. 3. When the in-property receiving outlets of the sewage drains are located below the elevation level, their drainage by natural flow into the network is ONLY allowed after a special permit from DEYAR. In these cases, in addition to the aforementioned permit, the internal drainage installation must be equipped with an automatic safety valve and a manual water stop valve. The valves must be placed in easily accessible locations and maintained at the expense and responsibility of the owner, who remains solely responsible for their proper functioning, and DEYAR reserves the right to disconnect the Sewage connection at any time if deemed necessary. 4. The above paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of this article, apply to properties already connected in any way to the network before the implementation of this Regulation and the owners are obliged to apply what is mentioned in the above paragraphs, if they are indicated by the Technical Service of DEYAR. 5. For plots or yards or parts thereof, located near streams which have a maximum flood level higher than these, the drainage of rainwater directly into the stream is prohibited. 6. The runoff of rainwater from the internal rainwater network of the property is done by natural gravity flow for rainwater from the areas above the elevation level or by mechanical lifting of rainwater (pumping) for rainwater from the areas below the elevation level, at the responsibility and expense of the owner. 7. The pump depression piping shall be positioned so that the bottom of the pump outlet is higher than the Subsidence Level.

1. After the connection of the properties with Sewage pipes of the final network, the owners of the properties must demolish and disable, with care and at their expense, any old Sewage facilities, such as cesspools and rainwater, old sewer pipes to pipes that were removed, etc., within a deadline set by DEYAR, which then makes the relevant control. If the property owner does not apply the above, DEYAR will first disconnect the water supply and then the connection of the property to the sewer. 2. To deactivate septic tanks, regardless of whether they are demolished or not, they must be completely emptied, and their contents must be transported for treatment at the sewage treatment facilities. After emptying, the septic tanks must be filled with clean, suitable materials. The disposal of septic tank contents into a sewage pipe is strictly prohibited.

1. The inspection of the connections is carried out by DEYAR by means of an autopsy, even within the properties of each category. If necessary, excavations, removals or chemical analyses of the drained liquids are carried out and any necessary additional work is indicated to the owner of the property for the safe and proper operation and use of the drainage system. 2. It is mandatory to have inspection manholes for the internal Sewage system in large buildings, industries, crafts and other buildings or outdoor facilities, if DEYAR deems that they are needed. 3. DEYAR may also check the internal drainage installation of the property, in order to verify the proper and safe operation of the drainage system. If necessary, it shall also inform the other competent services of the results of the audit. No invitation or notice to the owner of the property is required if it is an inspection of the operation of the sewage facility or compliance with the terms of these Rules and Regulations. 4. If a malfunction of the internal Sewage system of the property is found because the owner of the property does not comply with the provisions of this Regulation and the technical instructions of the competent bodies of DEYAR, a deadline is set to correct these anomalies and to do the additional work that will be indicated by the Service and the provisions of ANNEX 1 of this Regulation apply. If the owner still fails to comply then DEYAR disconnects or disconnects the water supply of the entire property if the violation concerns the entire property or disconnects the water supply to the parts of the property that concern the owner who has committed the violation. In all cases the owners or occupants of a property shall be aware that they are jointly responsible for the proper operation of their entire internal Sewage system and shall require all co-owners to comply with the provisions of these Regulations. 5. Damage caused by anyone to the Sewage system and external branches shall be repaired only by DEYAR and the cost shall be charged to the person who caused the damage.

1. The monitoring of the drainage system of a property consists of the audit regarding compliance with the terms of the Regulation, i.e. indicatively compliance with the terms concerning the construction and operation of the internal networks and installations of the property (Article 9 of the Regulation), the drained liquids of the property (Article 7 of the Regulation), the obligations of the owner of the property for the connection of the internal networks of the property with the corresponding pipelines of the final drainage system, etc. 2. The inspection of the drainage system of a property is intended to ensure the correct and safe operation of the Sewage network and the works of the biological treatment centres for waste water and is carried out by DEYAR as the body responsible for the operation and maintenance of the external branches and the pipelines in which the property drains directly or indirectly. 3. The cost of the above inspection of the way a property is drained is charged by DEYAR to the property owner if the inspection reveals that the property owner did not comply with the provisions of the regulation. The charge of this expense is made by DEYAR directly to the owner of the property. If the owner of the property does not respond, this charge may be included in a subsequent water bill. 4. The inspection of the drainage of a property is mandatory in the following two cases: a. When there is evidence of non-compliance by the owner of the property with the provisions of the regulation. β. When the accuracy of the submitted written statement by the property owner on how the property will be drained must be verified. (paragraph 1, of article 29 of Law 29. 1069/1980). 5. The inspection of a property’s drainage system by DEYAR is generally carried out by an autopsy within the property, regardless of the category to which the property belongs. If DEYAR deems it necessary to verify data, it may, on the one hand, take samples for chemical analysis of the drained liquids and, on the other hand, request the owner of the property to carry out, with his care, responsibility and expense, the necessary excavations and disclosures, partially or fully, of the internal networks and installations of his property. If it is also deemed necessary, the DEYAR carrying out the audit shall also inform the other competent services of the findings and results of the above audit. The cost of sampling and chemical analyses shall be charged to the owner of the property, as well as the other costs of checking the drainage of the property (paragraph 3) 6. If the inspection of the foregoing paragraphs 1, 2, 4 and 5 of this Article or by any other means, establishes an illegal or illicit connection of rainwater, sewage or wastewater of a property to the sewer system or if it is found that any work has been performed outside the property’s street line without the permission of the responsible agency, for the purpose of illegal or illicit connection of rainwater, sewage or waste water from a property, the provisions of ANNEX 1 and the provisions of the legislation in force shall apply.

7. If the inspection of the drainage of a property reveals non-compliance with the provisions of the Regulation, the DEYAR shall indicate in writing to the owner of the property to perform within a regular period of time, with care, responsibility and expense, any necessary additional or modifying work on the internal networks and installations of the property in order to ensure the proper and safe operation and use of the external branch and the pipelines in which the property is directly or indirectly drained. 8. If the owner of the property does not submit to DEYAR the report required by paragraph 1 of article 29 of Law no. 1069/1980, a written statement on the manner of drainage of his property or if he fails to submit it within the prescribed period or if he refuses or prevents the DEYAR bodies to carry out the relevant inspection of the manner of drainage of his property, then paragraph 2 of Article 29 of Law No. 1069/1980. 9. If the owner of the property, after the inspection of the drainage method of his property and the written suggestion to perform additional work, has not complied within a certain period of time, which may not be less than two (2) months and more than four (4) months, from the date of the written suggestion of paragraph 7 of this article or if he has not complied with provisions of this regulation, namely, but not limited to, failing to construct and separate the internal sewers of the property in accordance with the provisions of Article 9 or discharging into the sewer lines, directly or indirectly, substances not permitted under the applicable provisions of Articles 6 and 7 of the Regulations or failing to disable the old sewer facilities of the property, etc, DEYAR either carries out the required additional or modification works with its own crews (if the works are outside the property’s street line) on behalf of the owner of the property and charges him the relevant costs, or imposes a fine, which is increased by 20% for each month of delay after the date of expiry of the above-mentioned compliance deadline. If the property owner fails to comply within a total period of eight (8) months from the expiration date of the compliance deadline, DEYAR shall have the right to disconnect the water supply to the property until the date of the property owner’s compliance with the terms of these Regulations. The date of compliance shall be indicated in a document from the competent body. The amount of the above fine is set out in ANNEX 1 to these Rules. The cost of additional or modifying work performed by DEYAR on behalf of the property owner and the amounts of the fine and surcharges may be included in a subsequent water bill or charged directly to the property owner. 10. In any case where, despite the prohibition, dangerous or harmful substances flow into the drainage network or streams, such as from leaking tanks of special liquids, etc. or if unclean substances are connected to the rainwater network, the owner of the property must take all measures to deal with them in a timely manner. Until the inflow of hazardous or harmful substances into the sewer system or streams or the discharge of sewage into the stormwater system is stopped, DEYAR may disconnect the property.

11. The contractors for the construction of public works and the organisations of the wider public sector must, before starting any work, request information and drawings of the Sewage networks from the competent DEYAR Sewage Services, in order to avoid possible damage to them. 12. If the aforementioned contractors or third parties unintentionally or intentionally interfere with any type or category of drainage works or other elements of drainage systems or any type of works in progress, they shall be prosecuted under the applicable provisions of the Penal Code. If this intervention causes damage to the aforementioned works or drainage systems, the damage is repaired only by DEYAR crews and the relevant costs are charged by the competent drainage body to those who caused the damage. Exceptionally, DEYAR may approve the performance of the required rehabilitation work by the responsible public or utility project contractor, subject to monitoring (or supervision) of the relevant work by DEYAR. Similarly, if property owners, due to non-compliance with the provisions of the regulation in the drainage of their property (such as the provisions of Article 7 “on drained liquids”), cause unintentional or intentional damage to the aforementioned drainage works or systems (external branches, pipes, drains, streams, etc. which directly or indirectly drains their property, the damage shall be repaired only by DEYAR crews and the relevant costs shall be charged to those who caused the damage. In no case shall the application of the provisions of this paragraph 12 exempt those responsible for damage to works or drainage systems from the other penalties provided for in this Article, where the conditions for their imposition exist.

In the event that for any reason it is not permitted or not possible to discharge the various liquids into drains, then all unclean liquids and products must be collected as specified by the applicable legislation. DEYAR, after approval and the approval of the competent department, may allow or impose the connection of the stormwater of the property to the bed of natural or technical streams with an appropriate construction. The decision of DEYAR sets the relevant conditions in each specific case. In this way, drainage is permitted, except for stormwater and clean water from subsurface drainage.

1. A Sewage network constructed by other local authorities or other public services after the entry into force of this Regulation and which can be used under the same conditions as the permanent network, shall be included in it only after its acceptance by DEYAR. For this, the following are required: a) Blueprints (elevations, plans, sections, details) in electronic format, showing the construction details of pipelines, manholes, branches and other drainage works. Necessary construction data that has to be shown on the above blueprints are at least: i) For pipelines, the cross-section and the inclination of each pipe section from manhole to manhole. j) For manholes, their dependencies on fixed points and absolute flow and ground elevations. j) For external branching, their location, depending on the left or right boundary of the property they serve or other fixed points and their depth from the pavement level to the property’s street line. The blueprints must be certified by the competent technical department that constructed the works. b) A certificate from the same technical service that the approved design and specifications were applied in the construction of the Sewage works in question; and c) Copies of the inspection certificates of the materials used (pipes, etc.). 2. For the network that has been constructed before the entry into force of Law 1069/80 and there is no necessary data to make the acceptance according to paragraph 1 above, as well as for pipelines that may have been constructed by private individuals, will be checked by the competent department of DEYAR for their construction elements, the quality of their construction and their proper operation. Then the data of this control are evaluated by the competent department of DEYAR and it is proposed the inclusion or not of these pipelines in the final network, which is decided by the Board of DEYAR.
3. For the network constructed by other local authorities or other public services after the entry into force of Law 1069/80 and before the entry into force of this Regulation for the acceptance and inclusion in the final network, the construction data must be granted to DEYAR in accordance with case (a) of paragraph (1). Then the DEYAR services will check the quality of construction and proper operation, according to paragraph 2 and will propose its inclusion or not in the network for which again, the Board of DEYAR will decide.

1. Before connecting the property, the interested parties must request from DEYAR, through their application, the Sewage system operating in the area of the property and the elevation of the property’s connection level to the street line and the location of the connection pipe if it has already been constructed by DEYAR, in order to construct the property’s internal network accordingly. 2. For the granting of the connection permit by DEYAR, an application must be submitted by the property owner with the documents required by the Service. Interested parties must also provide any other additional information requested on a case-by-case basis. For buildings with separate ownership of a floor or a floor apartment (apartment buildings), the application is submitted by a representative of the owners. In these cases, regardless of whether there is one owner of each separate ownership, the documents submitted will be accompanied by a table with the names of the owners, their water meters and the gross area of the part of the property they own. On the basis of this table, DEYAR allocates the connection cost. 3. The forms to be completed by the owners and supporting documents are determined by the Sewer Department. These may be modified by the competent Service according to technological developments or the tariff policy of the Company whenever required. 4. The terms and conditions for granting connection permits to industries, crafts, factories, workshops, laboratories, hospitals, nuclear research centres, garages, stables, etc., shall be as laid down in Article 7 of this Regulation. 5. DEYAR may give permission for connection to the sewage network to properties which cannot be supplied entirely and exclusively by DEYAR, (i.e. properties supplied entirely or partly by private water supply systems or water supply networks of other entities and properties supplied partly by DEYAR and partly by private water supply systems or water supply networks of other entities).

  • For the connection of properties of the above category, the approval of the Board of Directors of the Company is required. The Board of Directors of the Company may delegate this right to the General Manager until it is revoked.
  • The approval shall be granted following a recommendation from the Head of the Sewage Department, which shall include all financial terms, general and any special connection conditions.
  • The connection fee and the interconnection charge are calculated in accordance with the rates applicable to other properties.
  • The method of calculating the sewer user fee shall be as set forth in Article 22 of these Regulations.

6. After the construction of the connection of a property to the Sewage network and the settlement of the financial claims of the Company, a “Connection Permit” is issued, which includes the general and any special conditions of its issuance. 7. Property owners are required to notify DEYAR in writing of any change in their property in terms of ownership, area or use. 8. The extensions of the Sewage network to connect buildings within a fully implemented city plan are constructed by DEYAR without charging the owner for the cost of the extension. In exceptional cases and at the request of the interested party(s), the Board of Directors of the company may approve Sewage network extensions under the supervision of DEYAR and at the responsibility and expense of the interested party(s), in accordance with a technical study to be prepared by DEYAR. After the execution of the work will be accepted by the Directorate of Networks. In these cases, the owners will pay only the amount corresponding to the connection fee to the Sewage network calculated at the applicable discount rate for cases where the amount is paid in cash. The discount will also apply when the amount is paid in instalments in accordance with the applicable DEYAR tariff policy, which will not be subject to surcharges. Upon completion, the extension will become the property of DEYAR. 9. Extensions of the Sewage network for the connection of buildings outside the city plan or outside the settlement boundary, will be constructed in exceptional cases at the request of the interested party/parties and only in cases where the property is entirely watered by DEYAR, following a decision of the Board of Directors of the company and if there is an agreement of the Sewage Service. The extension will be supervised by DEYAR and at the responsibility and expense of the owner(s) according to a technical study to be prepared by DEYAR. After the execution of the work will be accepted by the Directorate of Networks. In these cases, the owners will pay only the amount corresponding to the connection fee to the Sewage network with the applicable discount rate for cases where the amount is paid in cash. The discount will also apply when the amount is paid in instalments in accordance with the applicable DEYAR tariff policy, which will not be subject to surcharges. Upon completion, the extension will become the property of DEYAR.

1. The owners of the properties that are to be or can be connected to the sewage network, must pay to DEYAR, the cost of connection (branching) and the connection fee to the sewage network. 2. Cost of connection (branching) to the sewage network is the compensation of DEYAR for the construction of the branch, while the connection fee is the compensation of DEYAR for the construction of the necessary infrastructure for the provision of the Sewage service. 3. By decision of the Board of DEYAR approved by the Municipal Council, the prices are determined and adjusted, based on which the cost of branching and the connection fee to the sewage network is calculated. 4. The cost of connection (branching) to the Sewage system is paid once before the construction of the branching. 5. The fee for connecting a property or part of a property to the Sewage network is also payable once before the connection of the internal hydraulic Sewage installation to the Sewage branch. The Board of Directors of DEYAR may alternatively determine the payment of the connection fee in instalments by property categories or depending on the amount. The Board of Directors may also, by decision, determine a discount rate for cases where the amount is paid in cash.

To connect a property to the Sewage system of DEYAR voluntarily or at the invitation of the service, the owner of the property must immediately pay the connection (branching) costs. The connection cost concerns the complete construction of the branch line and the P.W.D.P. The branching charge is a contributory charge and is provided for by the provisions in force at the time of the entry into force of Law 1069/80 (Article 15 of Law. 1069/1980, as amended by paragraph 5 of article 6 of Law 2307/1995) and is paid by each property even if it has been previously constructed by DEYAR, or to serve another property or due to redevelopment projects.
It is generally calculated for all properties as the product of half the average width of the road and the current average cost of the branching by the current metre. As a minimum amount for the cost of a fork is determined, the cost corresponding to the construction of a fork in a road with an average width of 4.00 meters. The average price per current meter of branching is determined by the Board of DEYAR. In the event that, for whatever reason, a property is approved to be connected to a sewage drainage pipe passing through a street that is not in contact with the property, or there is no landscaped road, or there is a temporary road opening, or in any case not included in the foregoing, then the branching charge shall be calculated for all categories of property as the product of the actual branch length multiplied by the average branching charge per linear metre. The actual branch length, is the actual length of the structure and is budgeted after an autopsy by the Sewer Service. Average road width: The average road width is calculated as follows: a) The average street width is defined as the average distance of the street lines of the building blocks (O.T.) defining the boundaries of the street through which the street network connecting the property passes, rounded up to the nearest whole number. (b) On roads with different widths in sections, more than one average road width may be specified. c) In cases where there is a final network but the street plan has not been applied for the configuration of the road boundaries, the average road width is calculated from the map of the approved street plan. d) When the property is located in a square or in a general area where the average width of the road cannot be calculated, then the branching charge is calculated according to the actual distance of the street line of the building block of the property from the through network, rounded upwards to the nearest whole number and with a minimum distance of 4.00 meters.

For the connection of the property to a network of DEYAR’s competence, voluntarily or upon invitation of the service, the owner of the property must immediately pay the right or connection fee, i.e. an amount equal to the contractual price per square meter of the property, multiplied by the total metered area, i.e:

measured surface area of the property x contract price of the property per m2

The average contractual price per square meter of the property is determined by categories of property depending on their use, each year by the Board of DEYAR.
The amount of money is charged once by DEYAR to each property connected to the final sewage network and concerns only that property and not the next property that will be built in its replacement. No refund of the connection fee due to subsequent changes in the use or area of the property or due to a change in the tariff policy will be made under any circumstances. Property categories: The properties are classified by the Service into categories according to their use in accordance with the following:
TABLE 1.

Property category Use of property
A Residences – offices – shops – warehouses
B Hotel accommodations
C Industrial – Industrial buildings
D Public and municipal educational institutions
E Public and municipal health institutions
F Municipal properties (excluding educational or healthcare institutions), sports facilities
G State-owned properties (excluding educational or healthcare institutions)

In cases of properties whose use is not pure according to the above table but different categories of use coexist in the same property, then the property is classified in more than one category, calculating separately the connection fee for each part of the property depending on the category it was classified in and according to the applicable contractual price per category. Properties with activities or uses not provided for in the above table are included in category A.
Dimensioned surface: For the calculation of the measured surface area of the property in the application of the previous paragraph, the following shall apply:
α) The measured area includes all built-up areas of the property on all floors, regardless of their use or whether they are watered. b) The measured area includes the staircase areas on all floors and the unfinished parts of the property. Basements and attics or open exits within rooms are considered to be floors, whether or not they have plumbing or not. c) The metered area does not include enclosed or open private parking spaces or parking spaces for the convenience of the users of the building if they are not rented, regardless of the floor on which they are located, when they communicate with the rest of the property only through the common staircase and there is no need for their drainage. In cases where there is a need for drainage of the parking area or it communicates directly through an internal opening with part of the property that is a main use area, then this is also included in the measured area. The Service decides separately for each parking space on the property and excludes on a case-by-case basis. d) The measured surface area of parking buildings includes the surfaces of the staircase on all floors, office, storage and toilet areas, to which 20% of the surfaces of all parking spaces shall be added. e) The measured area does not include open ground floor spaces with columns, (PILOT) according to the GOC, as well as open verandas. f) The metered area does not include, at the request of the owner, basements or single basement sections that simultaneously meet the following requirements:

  • According to the building permit they are classified as ancillary areas of the property and not as main use areas
  • There has been no change in their use and they are not exploiting
  • Not directly or indirectly watered
  • Do not communicate directly through an internal opening with any part of the property that is a principal use area, other than the communal staircase
  • They shall not project from the ground more than the limit prescribed by the GOC except in cases where a change in the limit has occurred as a result of subsequent modification of the road elevation

The exclusion of basement areas from the measured area of the property according to the conditions mentioned in the previous cases, is made only during the initial procedure of connecting the entire property and not later and applies only to private properties whose use is for residential or office purposes (CATEGORY A). The engine room area of the property is exempt only if it is located in an exempt basement. Exceptions to the metered area in public or municipal buildings, schools, hospitals, hotels and department stores are made only if there is a separate floor (underground or not) for the mechanical installations of the building alone. If there are other facilities or uses (e.g. laundry rooms, kitchens, storerooms, etc.) on the above mentioned floor, then they are not exempt from the connection fee. The Sewer Department shall make a separate determination for each basement owner of the property and shall exempt on a case-by-case basis. The owner of the basement that has been initially excluded from the connection charge can whenever he wants to proceed with the connection of his basement to the sewage network, after first requesting it in writing from DEYAR and paying the connection charge corresponding to the current prices and procedures, without the discount if any, which is only applicable during the initial procedure of connecting the entire property. For the basements or parts of basements where the above conditions apply and their owners wish to be exempted, a solemn declaration of L. 1599/86, of each of these owners, in which it is stated that in the event of a change of use, or ownership, or connect the basement space internally with a main use space, or want to water it in any way, will inform in writing the DEYAR and will pay, if the need arises from this change, the connection fee corresponding to this period of time. Failure to do so will result in the penalties provided for in ANNEX 1 to these Rules.

Sewer usage fee or user fee: After the connection of the property to the Sewage network, the owners of the connected properties are obliged to pay the Sewage use fee, collected through the water consumption bills. The percentage is determined by decision of the Board of Directors of DEYAR, in accordance with Article 16 of Law 1069/80. The user fee is common for all properties, unless the DEYAR Board of Directors decides to set a different user fee for each category of property use depending on the hydraulic and pollution load. The obligation to pay the sewer user fee begins immediately after the certified completion of the construction of the connection by the Sewage Service. For the connection of the internal Sewage installation of the property to the Sewage system, a period of thirty (30) days is set from the completion of the construction of the external branch, after which the obligation to pay the sewer user fee begins. The user charge for properties in the cases referred to in paragraph 5 of Article 18 of the Regulation is calculated on the basis of the annual “contractual” value of the water consumed. The percentage of the user charge and the method of calculating the final amount is determined by a decision of the DEYAR Board of Directors on the tariff policy. Especially for properties that are entirely supplied with water by private water supply systems, the user fee is assessed once a year by the Financial Services of the Company in June and is paid by the end of August of the same year or as otherwise determined by decision of the Board of Directors of DEYAR. For properties that are partially supplied with water by DEYAR, the user fee is certified by the Financial Services of the Company in the bills issued in accordance with the provisions of the Water Supply Regulation of the company or as otherwise determined by decision of the Board of Directors of DEYAR. The annual “conventional” value of consumed water is determined as follows:

  • The “annually consumed quantity of water” of the property in question, regardless of the way it is supplied (DEYAR network, network of another water supply body or private water supply system), is calculated on a case-by-case basis, in the most technically appropriate way, under the responsibility of the Sewage Service.
  • For class A properties (Table 1), this quantity is calculated as the amount of their people number multiplied by 0,15 m3 /person, multiplied by 365 days of operation. Their population is obtained by dividing the gross built-up area of the property by 25 and rounding to the nearest whole number.
  • For category B properties (Table 2), of any type, this quantity is the product of the number of beds multiplied by the daily quantity of water consumed per bed (Table 2, as applicable) multiplied by 180 days of operation if they operate seasonally, or by 365 days of operation if they operate throughout the year.

TABLE 2.

Hotel accommodation category Water consumption per bed per day
5 stars and above 0,45 m3 / clcd
4 stars 0,35 m3 / clcd
3 stars 0,30 m3 / clcd
2 stars 0,25 m3 / clcd
1 star 0,15 m3 / clcd
  • The contract value of one cubic meter of water, determined for each class of property in this case, shall be determined equal to the water rate in effect at the time for off-site hotels.
  • Finally, the quantity of water consumed per year as calculated above is multiplied by this price and thus the annual “conventional” value of the consumed water is obtained.
  • For properties of category C (Table 1), the quantity of water consumed annually is the actual quantity of water resulting from the readings of their water meters and on this the actual user fee is calculated, according to the water price applicable at any given time for this category. For category C properties that are entirely watered by private water supply systems and it is not possible to calculate the amount of water consumed annually, with the approval of the special permit of DEYAR related to their connection to the Sewage system, the method of calculating the quantities of raw water for which they will pay the amount corresponding to the Sewage user fee will be determined and agreed.

Other expenditure: The costs for any modification or completion of the sewage facilities within the properties are borne by the owner who also takes care of their construction within the time limit set by DEYAR.

  • The owner of the property shall also bear the costs of checking the internal installation of the property and checking the composition of the drained liquids, in case it is found that he has not complied with the provisions of this Regulation. Expenditures shall be determined on an accrual basis at the end of the audit or by any other method determined by decision of the DEYAR Board.
  • In cases where legally connected properties are demolished and new buildings are built in their place, the connection fee, which corresponds in the same way to the data of the old property, is deducted from the total connection fee resulting from the data of the new property. In the case of these properties, the existing legal connection is maintained. If it is necessary to reconstruct the existing connection, the reconstruction is carried out by DEYAR at its expense only for reasons that are not the fault of the owners of the properties, otherwise they are charged to the owners according to the applicable rates for external branches to the final network.
  • For each metered area, within the meaning of the Regulations, added to a legally connected property, a connection fee calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations shall be payable by the owner, upon commencement of the addition or conversion work. The connection fee is calculated at the rates in effect at the time the addition or change of use is declared by the owner of the property or at the time determined by DEYAR. The connection fee due only to the change of use of the property is the difference between the connection fee resulting from the new use of the property and the connection fee of the property according to the previous use calculated at current prices.
  • In the event that the owners of the property do not comply with an invitation by DEYAR to submit within a specified period the necessary data for the construction of the connection and to pay the connection cost attributable to them, DEYAR may construct the connection at the location it deems appropriate. The time limit may not be less than one month. In this case, the cost of connection is certified against the obligors and collected through the water tariffs.
  • In cases where it is determined that a property has been connected without DEYAR’s permission, the sewer user fee shall be calculated retroactively for at least one year or more at DEYAR’s discretion depending on the duration of the illegal connection and shall be charged as provided in ANNEX 1 of this Regulation.

1. For properties legally connected to ‘integrated in the final network pipelines, the following apply: a) The owners of these properties do not owe any amount for a connection fee or right of connection, if at the time they were connected the connection fee was paid for all metered areas. b) If there have been additions or changes to the metered areas and uses, then an additional fee or connection right is established at the current prices and the same applies as for the properties legally connected to the final network. c) If they are demolished and new buildings are built in their place, the same applies as for the properties legally connected to the final network, but in combination with the provisions mentioned in case (a). d) Proof of legal connection for properties located within the boundaries of the former Municipality of Rhodes and connected before 1980, is the registration of the property in the Municipality of Rhodes or the existence of a document of the Municipality of Rhodes confirming the payment of the connection fee, while for properties connected after 1980, the existence of a connection file in the DEYAR’s file or, failing that, the DEYAR’s collection note concerning the payment of the connection fee or, finally, the existence of other records of the Service in vouchers, etc. The category of the water meter is not evidence of the legality of the connection. e) Evidence of legal connection for properties located within the boundaries of the former Municipalities of the island of Rhodes or the old DEYAs of the island, is the registration of the property in the records of the former Municipalities or DEYAs, or the existence of their documents confirming the payment of the connection fee. The category of the water meter is not evidence of the legality of the connection. f) If there is no evidence that proves that the property has been legally connected or after an investigation by DEYAR it is proven that their connection to the network has been made with a pipeline constructed at the expense of the property owners for their service in exchange for not paying the connection fee, even with an external branching that runs parallel to the integrated sewer that runs in front of it, but in another sewer in the same street, then the above does not apply and the owner of the property must bear the cost of the branching and the connection fee in accordance with current prices and connect to the permanently integrated sewer that runs in front of it. g) If the existing external branching of the property to the integrated sewage pipeline needs to be reconstructed for reasons that are not the fault of the owners of the property, the reconstruction is done by DEYAR at its expense, as for the external branches in the final network (network maintenance). 2. The DEYAR Board may address special cases not provided for in the preceding paragraphs based on their specific, factual circumstances.

Individual solicitations or notices to property owners, involving responsibilities or costs to them, shall be made by acknowledgment of receipt by an employee of the appropriate department or by registered mail or bailiff, except that notification of the existence of an operating sewage system shall be made by written press or by letters within the water bills or by any suitable modern means chosen by the company. The owner, co-owner, tenant or co-owner of a property located in the area of the enterprise, or the one who has been granted the building permit, as well as its manager, called by the enterprise, is obliged to declare in writing, within the period of time set by the enterprise, not less than one month, the way of drainage of his property and to allow and facilitate the control by the enterprise of the accuracy of his declaration. The person who does not submit the above declaration or does not submit it within the specified period or who immediately refuses to allow the company’s officers to enter the property to check the accuracy of his/her declaration or who obstructs in any way the carrying out of the inspection, shall be punished in accordance with the provisions of Article 29 of Law No. 1069/80 on ‘Declaration by owners on the method of drainage of their properties’. No invitation or notice to the owner of the property is required if it is an inspection of a property’s drainage system or an inspection of compliance with the terms of the Rules and Regulations.
In cases where DEYAR determines that due to the malfunctioning of the internal Sewage system of a property there is a risk to public health or the environment, it proceeds to an immediate disconnection of the connection or the water supply of the property if necessary without prior notice to the owner. The inspection indoors of a property will be carried out each time by handing over to the owner or user of the property by the authorised bodies a relevant authorisation from DEYAR. In case of damage or works in the Sewage network of a property’s area and if the required works are estimated to affect the operation of the wider network of the area, the owners of the properties in the area are informed by an announcement of the competent body in the media.

The control of compliance with the provisions of this Regulation is entrusted with the decision of approval, according to Article 1 of Law 1069 (Government Gazette 191-A’/23-8-80), the Municipal Water Supply and Sewage Enterprise of the Municipality of Rhodes (DEYAR). Specifically report confirmation of violations and fines is made by the designated bodies of DEYAR, namely the Directors, Heads of Services, engineers and foremen of the but also by the Health Service and the Municipal Police. Against the confirmation of the violation of this Regulation, an objection may be lodged within five working days, for which a final decision is made by a three-member committee appointed by the Board of DEYAR, no later than the end of the following month from the date of confirmation, following a recommendation of the Sewage Service. The fine shall be paid to DEYAR’s coffers within one month from the date of confirmation of the infringement or from the date when the objection procedure is completed and the property’s connection file is updated. In case of non-payment of the fine within the time limits set by this Article, the fine shall be confirmed in the next water invoice. If the fine does not apply to an owner or user of part of a property and applies to an entire property, then the fine is apportioned to the invoices of all the water meters of the property according to the surface area corresponding to each water meter as it results from the data maintained by DEYAR in its customers’ files. All “Special Permits” referred to in this Regulation shall be granted by DEYAR in writing. DEYAR reserves the right to revoke “Special Permits” in cases where the Sewage Service, upon recommendation, certifies poor implementation or violation of the conditions set forth in the “Special Permit”. Where it is specified in this Regulation that DEYAR may interrupt the water supply or Sewage of the property, it is understood that the interruption is made after prior notice to the owners of the property except in the cases referred to in Article 24 of the Regulation. Wherever this Regulation refers to the obligations of the owners of the property, these also apply to those who exercise ownership in any way in cases where it is not possible to find the owners or ownership is disputed. For properties in which a usufruct has been established, the obligations of the owner are the responsibility of the usufructuary. In any case, the responsibility for the proper operation of the internal plumbing of a property is shared by all owners or occupants of the property.

These Regulations shall enter into force on the day of approval of the relevant decision of the Board of Directors of DEYAR by the City Council. Until the implementation of this Regulation, the relevant decisions issued from time to time by the Board of Directors of DEYAR shall apply. Any amendment to this Regulation shall follow the procedure followed for its adoption. The Regulation is accompanied by ANNEX 1, which summarises the obligations of property owners under this Regulation and the penalties for breaches of the following:

  1. The protection of rainwater drainage networks
  2. The protection of sewage networks

ANNEX 1 forms part of these Rules and its approval shall be given together with the approval of these Rules. DEYAR must constantly inform all citizens of the city about the conditions of operation of the Sewage networks, their obligations and the penalties for not implementing the Regulation. The Company’s aim is not to impose fines, but to ensure the proper operation of its networks and the Biological Treatment Plant. If it is nevertheless obliged to impose fines, the revenue from the imposition of fines in the cases of infringements listed in ANNEX 1 will be used to cover or supplement the costs of informing citizens (publications, notices, publications, etc.).

1.
Property owners are obliged to separate the internal drainage systems of their properties and to drain rainwater into the gutter of the road and not into the manhole connecting to the sewage system (Article 6, para. 2).

Violation of this provision entails the right of DEYAR to set a deadline for the modification of the internal installation of the property (not less than one month) and the provision of a fine to each separate property within the property, equal to the amount corresponding to the 60m2 connection fee of a property of the same category in the event of the expiry of the time limit without effect.

2. It is prohibited to discharge raw water into storm drains (Article 6, para. 2).

Violation of this provision entails the right of DEYAR for immediate termination of this connection and the imposition of both the cost and a fine to each co-responsible owner of the property equal to the amount corresponding to the connection fee of his property, with a minimum limit for each owner separately the connection fee corresponding to 100 m2 of a property of the same category.

3. The discharge of any substance, solid or liquid, into the storm drainage manholes shall be prohibited.

Violation of this provision entails the right of DEYAR to impose a fine on each violator, equal to the amount corresponding to the connection fee of 100m2 of a class A property, or a fine equal to the amount corresponding to the connection fee of 500m2 of a Class A property if the inspection reveals that the substance is dangerous and has implications for public health

4. It is not allowed to connect groundwater from subsurface drainage directly to closed stormwater pipes, without a “Special Permit” from DEYAR (Article 7, par. 5).

Violation of this provision entails the right of DEYAR for immediate termination of this connection and the imposition of both the cost and a fine to each offending owner, equal to the amount corresponding to the connection fee 60m2 of a property of the same category

5. It is not allowed to connect rainwater from the internal plumbing of the property directly to closed stormwater drains (Article 6, para. 3).

Violation of this provision entails the right of DEYAR for immediate termination of this connection and charging both the cost and a fine to each offending owner equal to the amount corresponding to the connection fee 60m2 of a property of the same category

6. It is not allowed to connect rainwater from the internal plumbing of the property directly to rainwater harvesting wells without the permission of DEYAR (Article 6, para. 3).

Violation of this provision entails the right of DEYAR for immediate termination of this connection and charging both the cost and a fine to each offending owner equal to the amount corresponding to the connection fee 30m2 of a property of the same category

7. It is not allowed to use, for any purpose, liquids from regulated or unregulated streams or from storm water drains, without a “Special Permit” from DEYAR (Article 8).

Violation of this provision entails the right of DEYAR for immediate termination of this connection and the imposition of both the cost and a fine to each violator equal to the amount corresponding to the connection fee of 120m2 of a class A property

1. The connection of properties to any street where there is an existing and operating sewer of the final sewage system is mandatory (Article 6, par. 3).

Breach of this provision entails the following:

  • The user fee is adjusted to the amount of the user fee for properties connected to the sewage network after three months from the notification to the owners or tenants of the property that their property can be connected to the sewage network.
  • For the first year following the passage of the quarter and the failure of the liable parties to submit to DEYAR a file of the required documents to connect the property to the sewage network, the user fee is adjusted to twice that of the properties connected to the sewage network.
  • For the following years, if the property has not been connected to the sewage network, the user fee remains constant at the rate established until the connection of the property.

The amount corresponding to the additional percentage of the user fee over and above that of the properties that are connected, for the first year only, will be considered, if a connection file is submitted to DEYAR before one year has elapsed since the notification, as against the property’s connection fee or as a connection fee if it exceeds the actual connection fee corresponding to the property

2. Connection to the sewage network is prohibited without the permission of DEYAR (Article 18).

Violation of this provision entails, written notification of a deadline for submission of the required documents not more than one month, charge retroactive sewer use fee for at least one year or more at the discretion of DEYAR depending on the duration of the illegal connection and the type, the volume of raw water and an increase of 50% of the connection fee. If they do not submit a file with the supporting documents, the Sewage Service will estimate the total amount of their debt and charge it in the next water bills.

3. Property owners are required to separate the internal drainage systems of their properties and drain only unclean water to the P.W.D.P. (Article 6, par. 2).

Violation of this provision entails, setting a deadline for modification of the internal installation of the property not more than one month and if this deadline is exceeded a fine to each separate property within the property, equal to the amount corresponding to the connection fee of 60m2 of a property of the same category

4. Property owners are obliged to notify DEYAR in writing of any change in their property in terms of ownership, area or use (Article 18, par. 6).

Failure to comply with this provision in cases where the need to pay an additional connection fee arises shall result in the doubling of the amount corresponding to the additional fee.

5. The owners of properties in which restaurants, restaurants or other uses that have as a consequence their unclean water to have a high fat content, are obliged to place within their property a grease trap, before connecting them to the P.W.D.P. These owners are responsible for the maintenance and proper functioning of the oil collector (Article 7, par. 3) and (Article 9, par. 1).

Violation of this provision shall result in immediate disconnection of this connection and a fine to each offender equal to the amount corresponding to the 100m2 connection fee of a property of the same category

6. The discharge of any solid or liquid substance other than domestic sewage into the sewers is prohibited (Article 7, par. 2).

Infringement of this provision shall entail the charging of the cost of repairing the damage caused and a fine to each infringer equal to the amount corresponding to the connection fee of 100m2 of a class A property

7. It is forbidden to have cesspools, sealed or absorbent in the internal network of the property after its connection to the sewage pipe and their connection in any way to the sewage pipes (Article 9, par. 2).

Violation of this provision entails immediate termination of this connection and a fine to each owner of the property equal to 1/3 of the amount corresponding to the connection fee of his property, with a minimum limit for each owner separately the connection fee corresponding to 30m2 of a property of the same category and in total for all owners the fine will not be less than the amount corresponding to the connection fee of 150m2 of a property of the same category divided proportionally to each owner.

8. The discharge of waste water from cesspools into the sewage system is prohibited (Article 7, par. 2) and (Article 13, par. 2).

Violation of this provision entails a fine to each violator equal to 1/3 of the amount corresponding to the connection fee of the property served by the cesspool, with a minimum limit for each violator separately the connection fee corresponding to 30m2 of a property of the same category and in total for all offenders served by the cesspool, the fine shall not be less than the amount corresponding to the connection fee of 150m2 property of the same category divided proportionally to each of them. If the wastewater is discharged from a tank then the owner of the tank is charged with a fine corresponding to the connection fee of 300m2 where the discharge is made with the knowledge of the tenants of the tank, the tenants and the owner of the tank shall also be fined.

9. It is prohibited in connected properties to place pumps in existing cesspools or in pumping stations with an excessively large active pumping volume (Article 9, para. 2) and (Article 12, par. 1).

Violation of this provision entails a fine to each violator equal to 1/3 of the amount corresponding to the connection fee of the property served by the cesspool or pumping station, with a minimum limit for each violator separately the connection fee corresponding to 30m2 of a property of the same category and in total for all offenders the fine will not be less than the amount corresponding to the connection fee of 150m2 property of the same category divided proportionally to each of them and setting a deadline for modification of the indoor installation of the property of not more than fifteen (15) days

10. Natural flow drainage is not permitted for all underground spaces or other spaces whose drainage floor is below the elevation level (Article 12, para. 1).

Violation of this provision entails setting a deadline for modification of the internal installation of the property of no more than fifteen (15) days and if this deadline is exceeded a fine to each owner of such premises equal to the amount corresponding to 60m2 of a property of the same category

11. Drainage with natural flow in the network is not allowed, when the receiving outlets of the sewage drains within the property are below the elevation level without a “Special Permit” of DEYAR (Article 12, par. 3).

Violation of this provision entails setting a deadline for modification of the internal installation of the property of no more than fifteen (15) days and if this deadline is exceeded a fine to each owner of such premises equal to the amount corresponding to 30m2 of a property of the same category

12. It is not allowed that the internal plumbing system has insufficient tightness, with surface overflows or runoff to adjacent properties (Article 9, par. 1).

Violation of this provision entails setting a deadline for modification of the internal installation of the property of no more than fifteen (15) days and if this deadline is exceeded a fine to each owner of such premises equal to the amount corresponding to 60m2 of a property of the same category