Why water bill varies so wildly from property to property?

lawfulhippo

datex wrote: »

just goes to s how how much you get over charged for non meterage!!

That's not really true. The averages are almost the same (and are kept that way by design). Its actually slightly higher on a meter because the costs of metering are added.

Metering is just fairer, as the proportion of the total each person is responsible is determined by the amount they use, rather than an archaic valuation.

If everybody with a below average RV converted to a meter, bills would actually reduce for those that remained on RV (although that wouldn't happen, because it's people with high RVs that want meters).

Cardew

lawfulhippo wrote: »

That's not really true. The averages are almost the same (and are kept that way by design). Its actually slightly higher on a meter because the costs of metering are added.

Metering is just fairer, as the proportion of the total each person is responsible is determined by the amount they use, rather than an archaic valuation.

If everybody with a below average RV converted to a meter, bills would actually reduce for those that remained on RV (although that wouldn't happen, because it's people with high RVs that want meters).

Agreed.

If the water companies had used their powers from 1990 to insist that a meter was fitted every time a property had new occupants, we would have a lot less people paying charges based on that 'archaic valuation'.

Although more difficult to enforce, a meter should also be fitted if there was any substantial alteration to a property. Yet huge old unmodernised houses that had a 'peppercorn' RV because nobody would want to rent them, retain that RV even after they have been fully modernised.

A friend of mine got planning permission to demolish an old farm cottage and build a 6 bed, 4 reception detached house with double garage. Neither the planning permission or building regulations even mentioned getting a meter fitted or notifying the water authorities, and he pays water charges based on the old RV.(sewerage is to septic tank and that was checked by buiding inspectors)

GloriaAndrewCar

This might prove useful. Ways to minimise your water usage and reduce your bills.

http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/local/save-water-and-northampton-homes-could-cut-2m-off-annual-energy-bills-1-5250528

AndyPK

Ask the landlord for a reduction in rent if he don't want one.