Water & Sewerage in Hightae

How you pay – Council Tax billing explained

In Scotland, water supply and wastewater (sewerage) charges are added directly to your Council Tax bill. Scottish Water is the only provider – there is no choice of supplier. Most homes in the Royal Four Towns are connected to the public mains; a few outlying properties use private septic tanks and should not be charged the wastewater portion.

2026/27 Water & Sewerage Charges – Dumfries & Galloway

2025 Water Quality Results – Black Esk Zone

Scottish Water tests the water regularly across the Black Esk zone. The full 2025 results are in – every single test passed the strict legal limits with zero failures.

Zero failures across the board – the water in the Black Esk zone is in excellent shape.

Water Hardness History – Black Esk Zone

Hardness comes mainly from natural calcium and magnesium in the ground. Here’s how the Black Esk zone has measured up over the last nine years (2025 hardness data not yet published):

The water here has stayed consistently Moderately Soft for years. That means less limescale in your kettle, easier washing and it’s generally kinder on skin and appliances.

The Scottish Water site at the end of the village

You’ll have seen this fenced Scottish Water site if you’ve walked or driven to the end of the village. It’s part of the local distribution and monitoring network for the Black Esk zone. The main treatment works (Black Esk Water Treatment Works at Boreland) is a short distance away and supplies the clean water that reaches homes in Hightae and the surrounding Royal Four Towns.

Sewerage – Mains or Septic Tank?

Most homes in Hightae village and the immediate Royal Four Towns are connected to the public sewerage network and pay the full wastewater charge. Some properties on the edge of the villages or in more rural parts use private septic tanks or sewage treatment plants. If your home is not connected to the public sewer you should not be charged the wastewater part of the bill – contact Scottish Water or your council to have this removed.

Septic Tank Emptying & Maintenance

Scottish Water offers a septic tank emptying service for properties that are not on the mains sewer. Local private companies also operate in Dumfries & Galloway and can often respond faster for urgent jobs. Popular local providers include:

• WC in Fields – reliable emptying throughout south-west Scotland
• RA Dalton Ltd – specialists in septic tank installation, repair and emptying
• Southwest Drainage Solutions – covers Lockerbie, Annan and surrounding areas