To want a water meter?

[twolittleboysonetiredmum]

DH thinks so and I'd be interested in other people's opinions/experiences. We moved fairly recently into a 4 bed detached from a 2 bed terrace. We paid £18 per mth and they want to increase it to 60. The house is worth approx double the two bed terrace so why would the rate value be triple? I think it would be cheaper to get a meter wouldn't it? Our usage hasn't actually changed as we have small can not independent teens using showers etc so AIBU?

We were in the same position as you, the figures were almost the same. We went for a meter and paid the same as in the old house too start with - so about £18 a month but were being very careful. We are now not careful and pay about £30, still half the £60 we would be paying in rates. It depends if you think your usage would be under the £60. Our bills tell us we use lots less water than similar sized homes but I don't know how really. We do wash, honest. We live in an area where they are slowly making meters compulsory area by area.

If you're in a bigger home then average, have normal use and are in an area with lots of meters then I think you will be better off on a meter. The water company needs the same takings across their area whether through rates or meters. Cheaper houses have really low rates so they are getting subsidised. Meters remove that subsidy so owners of bigger homes pay less.

I used to pay £70 per month when I didn't have a meter. Now I pay £9. Same house!!!!

wannabe those illnesses are ones which require extra water usage so people that are on dialysis, incontinent or someone diagnosed with OCD (washing hands constantly). There are more illnesses but can't remember what they were.

So for people *

Just to add for the pp that said they wouldn't buy a house with a water meter, all houses built after 1991 have to have a water meter, if one can't be fitted then water companies used an 'assessed charge' system depending on how many occupants are in a property.

I think Martin Lewis said that water meters are only worth it if there are less people living in the property than there are bedrooms. It was a few years ago though so it might not work out that way anymore

Three bedroom house, 2 adults, 2 kids, no meter and we pay £250 every 6 months.

I dread to think what a meter would cost.

Which just proves that the sooner we are all on meters the better. The rate should be set so that households using the average amount per household are neither better nor worse off. You expect a big family to pay more for food than a small one; they will also more electricity especially while the children are at home. Why is water different?

It all depends on usage, you're charged per cubic meter of water (1000 gallons) standing charges are the same for everyone.
Houses without meters are priced according to rateable value as set by the inland revenue eons ago therefore a neighbour in the same street with same type of house may pay more or less than yourself due to the value of the home at the point at which it was set.
For example, your house was in need of improvement at that time but your neighbours house had double glazing.
Unfair now though.
The whole system should be changed really.

I know quiet I have it for crohns :)

I should have remembered that as advised two friends with Crohn's disease to apply for WS.
Must be getting rusty

We are in a 3 bed detached house with a water meter (was here when we moved in and couldn't be removed!). Three adults, 3 showers daily, occasional baths, washer on every day, dishwasher on most days. We also have a greenhouse and veg plot in our large garden which need regular watering in summer months (we have 3 water butts to catch rain water but they run out when it's dry). We pay Severn Trent £50 per mth direct debit. You cannot change your mind once a meter is installed - you only have a few weeks grace. Meters are more economical the less water you use so suit smaller households. Definitely something to consider if you're single or a couple, not if you are a large family esp if you have several teens running showers for 25 mins!!

Get one if you can switch back. We pay £120 every 6 months for the two of us.

Meters can never be removed once put in but you can revert back to rates in the first 12 months. But if you move into a property that has a water meter fitted by previous occupier even if it is within 'thier' 12 months you don't get to choose.
It's worth thinking of the future consequences for the next occupier especially if it could lose you a sale.

we're in a 2 bed semi and our water rates are reasonable in that they are £25 for 2 adults and 3 young kids. ours is also a new build so we have a water tank for flowers and car washes.

thames water also allow you to apply for watersure and this dramatically helps with water costs for those who are eligible

Two adults, one teen and one 8yo in a five bed house here - last bill was £153 for six months. One before that £170. Severn Trent.

We moved into this house in 1999 and our first bill on the old rates system was £278 for six months so gawd knows how much that would have gone up by now. We switched to a meter immediately and would never consider going back.

Oh I'm so torn! We're with United utilities, no idea if they're expensive or not comparatively to other companies mentioned here. Our usage will obviously increase as kids get older, summer hits and garden needs watering etc so I'm wondering if long term we're better sitting tight. Our house is a 1970s build that hasn't changed much really so will be the same rate value as when assessed.,

Watersure is a good scheme but only available for people who have a water meter that qualify.
I'm not sure if it's been rolled out yet but there was a pilot scheme aimed at people whose household incomes were below £11,000pa (for non metered customers) to help with water costs.

This is a system I just can't understand. Here in Scotland, it's included as part of your council tax. Makes life so much simpler. Is there a reason why it's done differently down south?

I don't know why it's different in Scotland but some councils include charge for the water bill in the rent, Wakefield council in West Yorkshire for example do this.

Posted too soon..
I meant for council tenants not private rentals or homeowners.

We have 2 adults and a child in a four bed house. A shower a day, or an occasional bath, washing machine once or twice a day and dishwasher every 2-3 days. We went from £31 a month each for water in and sewerage out, and now pay £15 a month for water in. Our sewerage out is yet to recalculated but we have been advised it should be 90% of the water in charge.

You are all making me so jealous. South West Water here, band A property water bill in the region of £1000 per year!

suits You should be able to get a detailed copy of your charges, just call your water company and ask.
90% is correct though as most usage is sewerage (flushed toilets, water from dishwasher and washing machines) which needs treating.

Quietlife - we were told it takes a few months for the sewerage to go through as its a different company. Our new yearly bill is due in the nwxt month or two so hopefully will be done by then

Just a thought....
Surface water drainage- some properties have soak-aways so if your property has one then you don't pay for SWD charge as water company isn't treating this water as it doesn't enter the sewerage system.

Water companies don't keep a record of these but info can be found on property deeds. You can claim back for previous years charges too!

Check your bills people
Apologies OP I have derailed your thread a bit