Why switch to a water meter?
If you are an unmetered customer, you may save money on your bill if you switch to a water meter. If you have a water meter you pay for how much water you use. Any savings you are likely to make depend on:
- how much you pay now
- the number of people living in the property
- how much water you use
A water meter is more likely to save you money if you live in a house with a high rateable value, or if you use only a relatively small amount of water. Generally speaking, large families may be worse off with a meter and single occupiers are most likely to benefit. Your water company will advise you if it thinks you are likely to save money by switching to a water meter.
Your metered bill will usually be made up of a standing charge and a volumetric charge for your water and sewerage services. The volumetric charge is based on how much water you use in cubic metres (m3).
The standing charge is fixed. It covers things like the costs to the company of reading and maintaining your water meter. The volumetric charge varies depending on how much water you use.
Some companies also charge separately for surface water drainage or highway drainage if these are not included in the other charges.
Some company websites have an on-line calculators to help you decide whether you will save money by switching to a water meter. You can also find a spreadsheet calculator on the Consumer Council for Water website.
