Measuring your water usage with a meter

07 June 2017

With all the rain we’ve had lately, you would think there’s plenty of water to go around. But did you know that the South of England is experiencing ‘water stress’?

This means demand is greater than supply in some areas. As a result, lots of water companies now require customers to have meters in their homes.

It means everyone uses a bit less so there’s more to go around. You might also save some money too!

Want to know more? We’ve written a quick guide:

What is a water meter?

It measures how much water you’re using – and you’re charged according to what you use. This is unlike a fixed tariff, where you’re charged a fixed amount.

What are the benefits?

Meters help you to use less water, and can save you money. They also help water companies to identify any leaks or burst pipes. In the past, these may have gone unnoticed and hiked up your bills.

Do I have to get it fitted?

This will depend on where you live and who your water provider is. You may have to have one fitted – or it may be optional.

If you have to have one fitted then your water company will contact you in advance to book an appointment and arrange installation. If it’s optional, you can trial it to see if it’s right for you. You should arrange this through your water company. Please let us know too if you decide to go ahead.

How does it affect my bills?

It depends on how much water your household uses. If you’re interested to find out what your bills will be, have a look at this water calculator.

What help is available if my bills go up?

If you’re worried your bills will be too high, ask your water company for advice – they may be able to fit water-saving devices for free at the same time as your meter installation.

Every water company also has the WaterSure tariff, which caps the bills for metered customers at the average household bill for their area. This applies to residents who:

Receive certain benefits
Have three or more dependent children living at home
Have a medical condition which requires large volumes of water

You should contact your water company for a full breakdown if you think you may be eligible.