HELP***100Pound a month for a 1badroom flat??

ufo32001

Hi there, I need some advise.
Me and my boyfriend moved in this 1 bedroom flat 3 month ago. Only 2 of us in the flat, and we don't use water alot. We stay at school all the time, and sometimes shower in the gym.

And today we get the first water bill from United utilites, over 300 for three month.
We have a meter, and both reading are actual reading (not est.).

My friend say she is paying less than 200 for a 3 bedroom house. And when I check my standing charge (water, waste, surface water) on the bill, it's already over 100 pound per year. So even I don't use any water, it's nearly the price of what my friend is paying.

We are only students...Is it the normal rate for the water bill? Anything we can do with that?

Many thanks
Tracy

Lorian

Did YOU read the meters both times? most critically is the date of the opening reading when you moved in?

ufo32001

Lorian wrote: »

Did YOU read the meters both times? most critically is the date of the opening reading when you moved in?

I remember I let the meter reading guy in and check the meter. I didn't check it myself. The time is right.
But since last time they read the meter, it's 4 days and we only use 1 cube. On the bill, we used 112 cubes in 90 days. And it's about 3pound something a cube.

ufo32001

I think I find what could go wrong. My meter has 2 parts, black numbers followed by red numbers. And I think the guy copied down the red digit as meter reading. But what the water is running the red number move about 1 digit per minute. It can't be 1 cube. 1 cube can't run out from a tap in one minute...

I can't believe they will make such mistake. so angry right now. I would have been over charged 200 pounds if I don't check.

Comment: Keep your eye on their job and make sure they are taking the right reading.

Cardew

You ignore the red numbers, they are fractions of a cubic metre. Use only the black numbers.

See:

http://www.thws.co.uk/home/ah_wm_reading.shtml

The aveage consumption in UK is approx 60 cubic metres per person per year. So the 2 of you, a consumption of around 30 cu mtrs in 3 months would be normal.

If you are being charged for 110 cu metres in 90 days, you are probably paying for the previous occupant's water.

continualdiamond

I hope it definately is them reading the wrong numbers. I myself live in a 2 bed flat, myself and OH here. We have a dish washer, couple of loads a washing a week, bath or showers every day and where on a meter paying £13 a mth direct debit.