Water Metering

[Belboz]

Hello all,

Just had the letter through the door stating the water company will be fitting a water meter to us next week. Knew it was coming just didn't know when.

My question to you is (for those who have had non-metered water and then been fitted with a water meter) - how much difference have you noticed in water bills?

Any views greatly appreciated.

As you will have gathered, I am already considering whether I need to put in some extra water-saving measures once the meter is fitted.

B

 

[big-all]

halved in price
one adult one 21 year old son no garden watering or dishwasher
2 adults 2 kids should be similar unless you have baths or frequent showers

 

[securespark]

Yeah, there's five of us......!!! Lots of hose, dishwasher, washing machine, baths and showers.

 

[Belboz]

Yeah, there's five of us......!!! Lots of hose, dishwasher, washing machine, baths and showers.

Did you mean your bills actually went down then?

 

[securespark]

Sadly not. We won't be getting a meter...

 

[bernardgreen]

Round here they insisted every one was to have a meter and started fitting them. Then they changed their mind and it became optional. A change possibly influenced by the reduced income on the metered supplies compared to the previous un-metered bills to the properties.

 

[big-all]

most off my bill is the charges we use about 30 cubic metres at £2 =£60 the remaining charges off about £96
does your surface water[including roof] go down the drains or onto your land ??

 

[Belboz]

Thanks bernard,

Am trying to assess how it will impact on us. My current bill is £420 per annum. Wondered how others had got on once they had gone to a meter.

 

[Brigadier]

Given that I have heard on r5live today that even stone is the latest if-it-ain't-nailed-down,-nick-it commodity, how long before water butts start getting pinched?

 

[Belboz]

does your surface water[including roof] go down the drains or onto your land ??

Rainwater all goes down the drains. No chance of diverting it as have cast iron pipework.

I was alread intending to fit guttering to the new shed (when I get round to building it) and using a diverter to a butt for watering the garden. That was before I got today's letter.

Have other ideas about water saving but wanted to get an idea of things first.

 

[big-all]

how many people in your house and how much is charges and how much is water??

 

[Belboz]

Actually, only £230 is for water (the rest is for waste water so doesn't count) Of that £230, it appears £30 is the standing charge leaving £200 per annum for water charges.

3 adults in my house. Large garden, dishwasher, shower, washing machine and (most used) cistern.

 

[big-all]

you will have waste water standing charges as well

the point about surface water is you get a reduction in your charges by around 15% iff your surface water doesnt go down the drain but you have to ask
what water company are you ??

 

[Belboz]

The above figures are the total minus the standing charge and wastewater charges (£420 in total of which £190 is wastewater charges and standing charge)

That leaves £230 of which £30 is standing water supply charge. Water supply is thus £200 per annum.

Thames Water.

 

[D_Hailsham]

When I lived in Croydon (south London) the annual water charge was determined by the rateable value of the house. The water company wrote asking I would like a water meter, so I phoned them up and asked what it would mean for my bill. I was told that if there were more than five people in the house it would mean an increased bill. As there were six, I decided not to take up their offer.

It may not be the same for you as the break-even point depends on the rateable value and no of inhabitants.

If you assume 160 litres per person per day you will get a reasonable idea of what the costs will be.

Metered water is compulsory for new builds and will eventually be compulsory for all properties - except those not on the water main.

It might be worthwhile checking with the Waste water company what effect a change to metered water will have on their bill.

I now live in East Sussex (only three instead of six) and we are on a meter. Waste water charges are based on approximately 92% of the metered water being returned to the sewers. It sounds a lot - until you think about it.