house has water meter - can you go back to not having it?

[CristinaTheAstonishing]

The house we want to buy has a water meter, which for a family of 5 plus another adult on a frequent basis is probably a bad idea.

Can we change it back to not metered?

We had a meter installed at our last house, when there was only DH and myself, and our water bills plummeted.

We'd hoped to get one installed here, but we apparently share a water supply with next door so they can't fit a meter. We get some reduced tariff instead as recompense for the water company being unable to fit us the meter we've asked for. [fume]

some authorities are fitting meters when a house changes ownership - and only those who had the meter fitted have the option of changing back.

prices do vary between authorities, if you are in the south you should find it much cheaper with a meter.

it is about profit but equally water wasting is selfish, and there's no need to suffer while using water sensibly. We are so lucky to have all that drinkable tap water.

• keeping taps running while brushing teeth is BONKERS. Ditto washing veg under running water.
• fill the kettle to the level you need. Uses far less electricity too.
• a full dishwasher is much more efficient than repeated washing up. And easier!
• you can get clean in a shower in well under 10 minutes. Absolutely no reason to take longer. If you want the conditioner to soak in, turn the water off. Long power showers actually use more water than a bath.
• the only clothes that get washed after one wearing are those with body fluids or actual stains on them.
• set up a water butt for the garden. Lawns never need watering or sprinkling.
• Low-water use toilets or 'hippos' will also help.
• cars don't need washing unless the windows and lights are obscured.