Water meter problems

[TmiEdward]

Hello.

We had a water meter fitted when we moved into this house almost 5 years ago.

In a normal billing period we use about 40 cubic metres of water. Our last bill was for 2 cubic metres. The water board reduced our monthly DD, then realised there must be a mistake and reinstated the original DD.

They have sent someone out to look at the meter and he found no fault on it.

Now the water board have phoned us to say that the reading is so unusually low that they will be replacing the meter anyway (within the next 6-8 weeks). We will have to take a few meter readings and then they will work out a new DD figure for us.
They have also said that we will be sent a back dated bill to cover the "missing" water.

Can they really do this?
I am sure we have used more than 2cubic metres, but it is their equipment that is at fault. I really don't want a big water bill right after Christmas.

Sorry about the epic post! Hope you can advise me!

I don't have any legal advice to offer but my take would be to send them a letter accepting the installation of a new meter but clearly stating you will only be paying for water that they can demonstrate has been used. Would it be worth a call to citizens advice to see what they can add?

Thanks for replying!

I feel a bit off because, yes, we have used more water than 2m. But that is their problem, surely?

I'm not responsible for their meter, just as they would accept no responsiblility for our pipes.

If the meter had gone faulty the other way and shown you'd used 78m3 water then ask yourself if they would be accepting that you should pay for just 40m3 based on past usage? I rather think not myself, but if you believe they would, then imo it is justified for you to pay this time too, otherwise not.