Common questions about water
Common questions about water
Questions about water suppliers
Who supplies my water?
There are 25 water suppliers in England and Wales. Fifteen of these supply water only. The remaining ten provide both water and sewerage services and were formed in 1989 when the public owned water authorities were privatised.
Scotland has just one supplier, Scottish Water, which was created in 2002 from the three former public water authorities; North of Scotland Water, East of Scotland Water and West of Scotland Water.
Water supplies in Northern Ireland are still in the public sector. The Northern Ireland Water Service is an Executive Agency within the Department for Regional Development.
Who supplies my sewerage services?
If you’re in England or Wales, you will either have two suppliers: one for your water and one for your sewerage, or one supplier for both. Even if you have two suppliers, you may still get just one bill, as your water company may collect payment on behalf of your sewerage company. If you live in Scotland and Northern Ireland, your water company, Scottish Water or Northern Ireland Water Service, supplies your sewerage services.
Can I switch my water supplier?
Unfortunately, you cannot change your water or sewerage supplier.
Questions about switching to a meter
Will my water be cheaper if I have a meter?
It depends on how much water you use, e.g. how many people live in your property and how much you currently pay. Without a meter, your bill is based on the value of your property, which is based on the size of your house. If you have fewer people living in the house than the number of bedrooms, you may benefit from switching to a water meter.
Will I have to pay to get a meter installed?
Most homes are entitled to a free water meter. The only exception is when it’s too expensive or impractical for your water supplier to install it. This might happen, for example, if shared pipes need to be separated.
In these cases, you have the option of paying for the necessary work needed before your supplier can install it.
If I switch to a meter, can I switch back to an unmetered water bill?
You can switch back within the first year at no cost. But, after this time, the water meter will remain in the property. It cannot be switched back, even if you sell the property or new tenants rent it.
How do I switch to a meter?
Switching to a meter is easy. You can request one on our site, after completing your comparison. Once you give us your contact details, we pass your request onto your chosen supplier. Your supplier will contact you to confirm you want to switch. They will organise for a meter to be installed at your property for free.
Read 'Switching to a water meter' for more information on changing over.
Questions about who can switch?
Are there any reasons why I couldn’t switch to a water meter?
You may be unable to get a water meter if it’s too difficult or expensive for it to be installed. This might happen, for example, if shared pipes need to be separated. You do have the option of paying for the work yourself. Also, if you are renting a property for less than six months, you will be unable to switch.
I rent my property - can I still switch to a meter?
If you’re renting your property for longer than six months, you are entitled to have a meter installed for free. If you rent a property that already has a meter installed then you will have to pay a metered charge.
Questions about water bills
How is my water bill calculated?
Without a meter, you are charged a standard amount for your water and sewerage. If you’re English or Welsh, it’s worked out based on the rateable value (RV) of your home, plus a standing charge.
If you’re Scottish, it’s based on the council tax rate of your property, plus a standing charge. If you live in Northern Ireland, you don’t pay directly for your water, as it’s covered in the government’s budget. However, if you’re on a meter, you are charged for the actual amount of water that you use, based on readings taken from a meter. You will also pay a standing charge. To find out more about your bill, please refer to 'How do I pay for my water'?
What is a rateable value (RV) rate?
An RV is used to work out how much you should pay for your water. It’s a measure of your property value. RVs were originally used to assess local property rates before council tax was introduced. Now they are only used in relation to water rates.
How do I find out the RV of my property?
If you pay an unmeasured water bills, the RV should appear on your water bill. If you cannot find it, contact your water supplier and they will be able to tell you.
Can I change my rateable value?
No. Existing rateable values cannot be reviewed or altered, unless your property undergoes significant structural change. If your property has been, or is undergoing major renovations, such as being split into two, or knocked into one with the next door property, the RV will probably become out of date. Some companies will set a notional RV to replace the outdated figure, but you should note that your water company is entitled to fit a meter at your home if they think it appropriate.
Are there any special rates available for my water?
In England, some groups are entitled to special rates if they have a meter. This includes people with certain medical conditions or those who receive benefits. For these people, the rates are capped at the average household charge for their local area. This scheme is offered on a voluntary basis in Wales. You can find more about water rates for vulnerable groups from your water supplier.
What is the average household bill for water and sewerage?
According to Ofwat, for 2005-06, the average unmetered bill was £305 (water was £149 and sewerage £157) and the average metered bill was £268 (water was £126 and sewerage £142).
Let us guide you through the switch
As you can see, there are a number of issues to consider on whether to switch to a water meter. So what’s the easiest way to work out whether you would be better off with a water meter? Use the uSwitch.com water switching service.
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