Metered charges

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Household metered charges

The metered household bill has two elements:

a standing charge, which is fixed regardless of how much water is used and is the same for all customers on the tariff; and
a volumetric charge, which varies depending on how much water is used.

In order to give customers sensible incentives to use water efficiently, companies set the metered volumetric charge to recover the costs that they will incur over the longer term to meet demand.

The metered standing charge, on the other hand, recovers no more than the customer-related costs for the unmetered service, plus the additional fixed costs associated with providing a metered service (for example, meter reading).

Metered water charges

This table shows the metered charges for water. Our leaflet, 'Water and sewerage bills 2007-08' (PDF-5Mb) gives more information about average bills.

Metered sewerage charges

As for unmetered customers, companies charge metered household customers for collecting and treating:

foul sewage;
surface water drainage (run-off from rainwater that falls onto customers' properties); and
highway drainage (run-off from roads and pavements).

In principle, if you can show that you do not receive any of these services apart from highway drainage you should be entitled to an appropriate reduction in charges. For more information contact your water company.

Foul sewerage service

Companies usually base their charges for foul sewerage for metered household customers on the volumes recorded on the water meter (adjusted where appropriate for non-return to sewer allowances). This table shows these charges for each of the companies.

Surface water drainage and highway drainage

Historically, companies have charged metered household customers for surface water drainage and highway drainage in a variety of different ways:

as part of the volumetric rate;
as a fee within the fixed charge;
according to the rateable value of the property; or
through a charge related to property type.

The different recovery methods for surface water drainage and highway drainage are the main reason why sewerage standing charges for metered customers vary between companies.

This table shows the different methods of charging for surface water drainage and highway drainage for metered household customers.

See our frequently asked questions for further information on surface water drainage (Word-22Kb).

Assessed charges

Companies must offer assessed charges if it is either impractical or too expensive for them to install meters. They may also levy assessed charges when properties have been merged or substantially altered, which makes the original rateable value of the property invalid.

It is for individual companies to decide how they set these charges, but they must apply a consistent approach to all customers on assessed charges.

This table shows the assessed charges that companies offer.

If you do not have a meter and would like to apply for one, contact your water company.

Vulnerable groups scheme

This scheme allows metered customers who meet qualifying conditions to apply for a vulnerable group tariff. For more information, see the Having problems paying your bill? Vulnerable groups scheme section of our website.

Charges and bills

Household Charges

Water meter savings calculator

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Household bill increases in 2008-09

Unmetered charges

Metered charges

Non-household Charges

Standard non-household water tariffs

Large user tariffs for water

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