Switching to a meter provided by your water company is the easiest way to save money on your water bill. Not only is it free to switch but you could significantly reduce your water bills depending on how much water you use. The water company regulator for England and Wales, Ofwat, calculates that the typical customer who switches to a meter can save 5-10% on their bill after installation of a meter from their water company.
To find out how much you could save by switching to a free meter from your water company simply spend a few minutes using the uSwitch.com water bill comparison service - saving money has never been easier!
Customers who must have a water meter
Under the Water Industry (Prescribed Conditions) Regulations 1999, there are circumstances where a water company can insist on the installation of a water meter. This is called "selective metering" and these circumstances can include:
- customers who have a swimming pool and ponds in excess of 10,000 litres
- customers using automatic watering devices (including sprinklers)
- customers with a power shower or an extra large bath
This is not a definitive list, for further information about circumstances that can result in selective metering contact your water company.
Automatic water metering
The water company automatically fits a water meter to properties built after 2000, as the Rateable Value system, which unmeasured water bills in England and Wales are based on, was scrapped in 1990.
Compulsory metering can also occur in areas designated by the Secretary of State as 'water scarce', in which case the water company can install meters in all households.
Water customers who cannot have a water meter
Most households in England and Wales are entitled to a free meter from their water company on request. However, there are circumstances when a water company can refuse to install a meter if it is unreasonably impractical or expensive to do so - if shared water supply pipes need to be separated, for example. In situations like this, if the customer is willing to pay for the necessary work then the water company may still install the meter free of charge. If it is impossible to have a meter installed, then your water company should offer you an 'assessed charge' where you pay a bill based on an estimate of your water supply usage or what other metered customers in your area pay, or you can carry on paying an unmeasured bill based on the RV of your property. Customers living in Scotland can opt, at their own cost, to have a meter installed on the water supply to their property. Scottish Water will provide the meter only at their expense, all other costs involved in creating the space for the meter to be installed must be met by the homeowner.
Can I switch back to an unmeasured water bill?
If you switch from unmeasured water bills to a water meter, you have the right to ask your water company to switch you back to an unmeasured charge within the first 12 months of installation.
When you switch back to unmeasured billing the meter will remain in your property and any subsequent occupants will have to pay for their water using the meter. Similarly, if you move into a house where a meter is already installed you will not be able to switch to unmeasured water billing.
How can I get a water meter?
uSwitch.com removes all of the hassle of switching to a meter. By entering a few details into our online water comparison service you will see how much you could save by switching to a water meter from your water company. Once you decide to switch, uSwitch.com will do the first step for you.