Water Bills questions and comment

Cardew

Put it in writing for a formal response if they don't agree on the phone.

leo555

I am single and living in a 2bed rented flat. I am paying £26 per month for water rates, which I think is overpriced in comparison to my consumption.

In my previous owned property which was a 2 person household, and a 3 bed house, I was paying only £11 per month.

I have tried to dispute this with Thames Water, but they would not accept it and only suggested changing to a meter. As I am in rented property I cannot switch to a meter.

Any other suggestion as to how I can take this further?

Cardew

Why can't you switch to a meter? You are paying the water bill.

patway

I run a small florist shop and I am being fleeced by Scottish Water for £47.00 per month...I have objected and this has fallen on deaf ears, apparently charges are set on rateable value..rubbish. I am next door to a hairdresser who's water is flowing freely all day she has another member of staff and lots of old ladies use the facilities in her shop. I use very little water once my vases are filled only 1/8th full of water kettle is on 3 times a day at most and loo is used 3 times bit more in cold weather. I find these charges are far too high for my business. I was told meters are being fitted not in use till 2009, I could buy my own and get fitted. Why should I for a rented shop. Iasked if they would stop supply that would cost me £500 for them to come and dig up the road...rubbish they lift the drain and turn off stop !!!!, I phoned them when I moved in and they told me how to turn it on.
Help please any suggestions
Thanks p

spongelina

i live in a two bedroom flat with my hubby. We pay £46.38 per month to Dwr Cymru. We use a shower more regularly than using a bath. How come my water bill at c£468 for the year is far higher than anyone i know in South Wales? I have spoken to Dwr Cymru & blah blah blah rateable value. Can this really be correct?

Cardew

spongelina wrote: »

i live in a two bedroom flat with my hubby. We pay £46.38 per month to Dwr Cymru. We use a shower more regularly than using a bath. How come my water bill at c£468 for the year is far higher than anyone i know in South Wales? I have spoken to Dwr Cymru & blah blah blah rateable value. Can this really be correct?

Welcome to the forum.

If you are unmetered the bill is based on your Rateable Value.

The solution is to get a meter - for 2 people it should be much cheaper.

If it isn't you have a year to change back to unmetered.

spongelina

i know i should get a meter - but i am looking to sell the house in the next six months so i don't want to make that decision for the next tenant to rue it. I guess what i am unsure of is the inequality. A quick poll around my office & friends show that i pay more than anyone else in South Wales, from varying property types (4 bed deatched to one bed studio apartments). Is there any way my bill is a mistake even though the water company say there isn't a mistake............any advise on how to approach the water company is gratefully received as i haven't had any luck so far:rotfl:

Cardew

spongelina wrote: »

i know i should get a meter - but i am looking to sell the house in the next six months so i don't want to make that decision for the next tenant to rue it. I guess what i am unsure of is the inequality. A quick poll around my office & friends show that i pay more than anyone else in South Wales, from varying property types (4 bed deatched to one bed studio apartments). Is there any way my bill is a mistake even though the water company say there isn't a mistake............any advise on how to approach the water company is gratefully received as i haven't had any luck so far:rotfl:

The new owner/tenant will probably get no choice in the matter as the water company can insist they get a meter.(not all companies enforce that requirement)

I pay around £350 on a meter, if I was on an unmeasured tariff I would pay about £1,400.

To check if it is a mistake or not, look at the RV on your bill and then the water company's web site.

mentat_2

Does anyone know if Thames Water provide paperless billing? I can't find anything on their website, but then they may call it something else.

James123_2

Sarahsaver wrote: »

I think its true that you can get a reduction if you prove that the water you use does not go back into the mains. What can be done is a sort of reed bed in your garden which is an eco friendly way of cleaning the water, if you put all your waste water through it the water company are not treating it and therefore should charge you less.
I spose you could keep frogs then ;D
sorry i dont know more about this but try your local environmental organisations or just ask jeeves if you dont mind all the irrelevant stuff poor old jeeves comes up with !

You can get a £30 reduction in your bill if you can PROVE that your rainwater drains to a soak-away. Most water companies have an application form in PDF on their websites. The charge is automatically made - newer houses are much more likely to make use of soak-aways, I believe!