Water Bill Shocker

Orpheo

Just got our water bill from Anglian water and for the coming year we are estimated to use nearly £600! We are metered and have been paying £32 per month, but this has left us with a shortfall of £185 on this years bill, leading them to nearly double our DD. This £185 to pay is not a problem for us, we have good savings and I intend to pay it down on Monday to get the DD reduced.

I have to express my shock though. We are careful with water, we are 2 adults and one teenage daughter, the wife and I aren't excessive with water in showers or baths; our daughter, however, is excessive in the shower. We use grey water to water the plants and collect any initial cold water when running the hot tap and pour it in a water butt, also for watering the plants.

I have objects in the lavatory cisterns to reduce the volume of water flushed.

My teenage daughter has some bad water habits for which she has duly had a rocket after this water bill.

My question is, what are your inspirational water saving tips? I'm pretty sure I'm doing all I can to be water efficient, but this bill suggests that something is wrong.

Apart from banning my daughter from washing, making the family drink their own urine and washing out clothes in the puddle on the drive, I'm stuck for ideas on how to do better.

On the upside, as the water is provided by a private utility company, Anglian, I can easily choose to switch to a cheaper competitor. Can't I? :cool:

If I can't choose my provider, then am I being taxed or robbed?

Gothicfairy

Sorry but you can't swap at all. There is only private companies and your company depends on your area.

Are you sure the meter reading is right ?
Have you checked for slow leaks (Ie dripping tap, over filling toilet / tank)
Do you have a power shower (they use tons of water)


As for taxed or robbed...Guess that is a point of view

If your meter reading is right and there is no leak then that is your consumption and other then really cutting down there is little you can do.

bordercars

were a 2 ad 1 teen boy on a meter in your region just had a 3 month bill used 31 units just over £100 so £410 pa. One thing we do extra is , first thing in the morning when we all rise and need to spend a penny is to flush after the 3rd has gone in. we all visit within 10 mins of each other so no smell etc. not sure what we save on 2 flushes daily, but im sure it adds up.

Orpheo

Gothicfairy wrote: »

Sorry but you can't swap at all. There is only private companies and your company depends on your area.

Yes. I know I can't switch.

Gothicfairy

Orpheo wrote: »

Yes. I know I can't switch.

OK cos I didn't know judging by
"On the upside, as the water is provided by a private utility company, Anglian, I can easily choose to switch to a cheaper competitor. Can't I?"

Think it was the question mark that threw me..

Do you want to answer the rest of my post or do you know that is right as well ?

Ken68

1....Collect rainwater and washing machine/dishwasher water and use in for the loo.
2....Buy shares in Anglian water.

macman

Is the DD increase based on an actual reading or an estimated reading?
Have you read your meter against the bill?

Gothicfairy

macman wrote: »

Is the DD increase based on an actual reading or an estimated reading?
Have you read your meter against the bill?

I did ask about the meter readings but they were to busy trying to put me in my place about what they knew to reply.

kelpie35

Apart from banning my daughter from washing, making the family drink their own urine and washing out clothes in the puddle on the drive, I'm stuck for ideas on how to do better.

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Orpheo

Gothicfairy wrote: »

I did ask about the meter readings but they were to busy trying to put me in my place about what they knew to reply.

I wasn't trying to put you in your place. Relax. And the question mark "Can't I?" that threw you is pretty much the device that indicates that I was being ironic. I need food, I cant choose from whom to purchase it, I can choose from whom to purchase almost everything, even energy, but not water. Privatise by all means, but not without giving me a choice.

I've checked the meter reading, which is an actual reading. What we owe is what we owe.

We were pretty convinced that we were water efficient, we clearly need to do better. Aside from using grey water in our cisterns, we do everything else that has been suggested.

As far as I can see, our sins are:

Doing a load of washing every day and having a teenage daughter, the latter for which I blame my wife, she should have been more careful . (That was a joke by the way and not intended to cause offense to any individuals or women in general.)

Gothicfairy

I am totally relaxed but failed clearly to know that a question mark indicates irony (always thought it indicated a question..silly me). I will remember that as I am sure it will help me in my future dealings with some posters here.

As for your sins...Yep that would sound about right for your high consumption (teenagers should be banned)

Try a shower timer and if you have a power shower (another missed question) It might be worth looking at getting it replaced.

How old is the washing machine ? that might need an upgrade as well if very old.