22 December 2005
Small businesses could make significant savings by changing to pay for their water by meter, according to advice from the Consumer Council for Water.
Many small businesses are still being charged for water and sewerage on the basis of the premises' rateable value, while they are in fact using much less, the council's research found.
The council emphasised that while the water company may charge a fixed fee to install a water meter, the savings could well make it worthwhile.
Charles Howeson, chairman of the Consumer Council for Water in the western region said: "Small businesses such as offices and shops do not use much water, and could be paying too much for water and sewerage if they are not metered."
He added: "We hear of many businesses that could save money on a meter."
In a sample case, one company that was previously being charged £900 a year for water now pays £160 a year after having a meter installed.
Interested companies have been advised to contact their supplier for a water meter option booklet.
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