Get a Water Meter Installed?

village_life

My fiancee and I have just moved into our first home, and our monthly water rates are £32.50

This seems an awful lot to me and I was debating the merits of getting a meter installed... our situation is as follows:

14 showers per week (on average)
3 washing machine loads per week
3 dishwasher loads per week ("A" rated efficiency)
No hosepiping or car cleaning

We lived elsewhere in the country and had a meter installed, though we were initially worried at the cost (I think due to historical concerns) I think we probably paid something like £90 every six months, so obviously the costs speak for themselves (dont have my records to hand)

Our house is a modern 3 bed-semi and there are loads of houses in our streets with small families and kids etc where I can see water rates being advantageous, but for us its probably a massive waste of money....

the only reservation I've had is reading about it, the supplier says that if we sold the house, new owner would HAVE TO go onto the meter (Whereas we have the option to revert back to rates if we have problems with costs etc) so I am wary that this might put off buyers with families

hopefully looking at at least a 10 year timeframe for sale of house, worst case scenario it'd probably be a sale in 5 years time.....

any thoughts...

Woby_Tide

Water Meter

it saves you money now, go metered. In 10 years time if it carries on like it is most areas will be swicthing to compulsory metering and installing on change of ownership anyway. The clampdown on social responsibility and water usage is already starting really

Wig

How long do you get to revert back? We (at Welsh Water) are only allowed to revert back in the first year.....for whatever reason not just costs. Are you not allowed to revert back if your costs are lower then?

You might aswell try the meter out it's free afterall. If you find you're saving money fine keep it, if you find you didn't save much, tell them you want out.

chugalug

A lot depends on what area you're in cos they all seem to charge differently for water. Here in Southern Water country I have a 3 bed with 1 adult, 2 teenagers (adult??) and 1 child. No dishwasher, no garden for watering, 20 showers pw, 5 machine loads, 2 toilets flushing goodness knows how many times but have trained them not to flush unless necessary. My water bill is £40 per month with no choice. You pay for what comes in and what goes out. I'd probably be better off without a meter and I can't see many families appreciating one. Having said that, I think all the fuss about water means we'll be moved to compulsory metering within the next few years.

t121anf

we should all be metered it fair then.

my rates are £25 and my parents have a meter and pay £11.

so i live on my own, hence using less water and pay more than double.

problem is its my parents 2nd house and they dont want a meter putting in so i just have to pay for it.

NickC_4

Based on my experience, I would say yes.

Before we moved we were paying ~£45 / month in Northamptonshire on rates (I think).

Now (with a meter) we are paying £30 / month. Thats two adults, one child, (dog, hamster, guinea pig). We don't use a lot of water, but don't scrimp either. We are in the South-West - one of the most expensive areas for water.

If you have the option to change your mind later - there is no reason why you shouldn't try it in my opinion.

Nick.

black-saturn

Before I had a water meter fitted I was paying £35 per month, now I'm paying £13 per month. So yes I think everyone should have one.

Kimberley

I havn't got a meter but pay £3.40 a week

Kzlnd

Of course meter is 'fair' I suppose as you pay for what you use but I despise them! :rotfl:

We have a water meter. There are two of us in our 2 bed, 1 bathroom apartment..
We don't have any leaks, we simply use way too much water! (14 showers + pw, washing machine 3/4 pw, dishwasher 6/7 times p/w, the loo flushing & hand washing.. We probably use most of our water showering, 25 mins avg? )
Add this plus the cost again for 'sewage' :rolleyes: and the charge for rain falling from the sky :rolleyes: plus other standing charges etc.. our bills are huge! :eek:
When we move, it will be into a house and one that does not have a meter!

Cardew

Kzlnd wrote:

When we move, it will be into a house and one that does not have a meter!

I think it is only a matter of time before meters are compulsory. Already, in some districts a new occupant of a property has no choice.

bob_a_builder

Of course meter is 'fair' I suppose as you pay for what you use but I despise them

Well I despise the high rates caused by not having a meter ...

Currrently paying Thames Water £600/y based on rateable value.

Looking on TW site, their chart shows 5 heavy users suggested cost with a meter of £400

We are only 4, 2 adults/2 children

So I hope to be much better off after switch to a meter which is in process at the moment + have the year to decide one way or the other as a fallback