Can this be right? Advice pls

mrs_motivated

Hi all,


I have been concerned that my water bills are high for some time, although Im not sure why.


Here are the facts


Water Meter (Severn Trent)


Household - 3 people ( all shower daily, normal amount of washing and eco washing machine, about once a week we might have a bath instead of a shower) ...use water butts for garden etc.


Billed quarterly - last Bill £171.87


Usage - 56 CM


charges were Water Supply £92.92, Used Water £56.19 and Surface Water Drainage £22.76


Im really just looking for some clarity if this is a normal level of usage, as the bill seems much higher than other peoples in a similar situation.


PS there is no water leak, have checked and this seems to be an average bill for us

matelodave

Try reading your meter yourself either daily, weekly or monthly to get an idea of how much you use and when you use it. Once you know when you use it you can do something about reducing your consumption.

Standing in a shower for 10mins or so can easily get through 150litres each so try reducing the amount of time you are in there. A lot of water companies supply flow restrictors for free that you can fit onto your taps or shower to slow the flow down.
Reducing the flow to 7lpm and only showering for five minutes will use 35 litres, saving over 100 litres each. Don't let water run down the sink when washing, rinsing or cleaning your teeth (try to get everyone else to do it as well).

Only use your washing machine and dishwasher when they are full - they use just as much water & energy as a half full one. Just put as much water as you need in the kettle

The benefit of reducing you water consumption is that you'll save energy as well as you wont need to heat as much water.

Cardew

I am with Severn Trent and billed every 6 months


For 3 people the average consumption is about 165 cubic metres(m3) per year. So if your bill is quarterly then you are using 224 m3 a year; although it seems that this quarterly bill is slightly under 3 months


The cost of 56 m3 of water is £86.07 so I assume your figure of £92.92 includes the standing charge - which is £28.95 pa.


Your surface water charges indicate your property is detached. (£94.73pa)


Can you not claim exemption from Surface Water Drainage(SWD) charges?


It would appear that you are using about a third more than average. I would also add that everyone who posts on this section seems to think they have below average consumption.

mrs_motivated

Thank you both for your replies and suggestions. I had already ordered a shower timer from Severn Trent, so the will help although I for one have quick showers ( not sure the girls are quite as quick).

Just for info in the last month we have used 14 units, which seems more reasonable so maybe the month of nagging is working

charliedog000

Hi Mrs Motivated

I work for STW. Best advice I can offer you is phone in and query it with them. They'll soon be able to guide you as to whether there's anything wrong.

Horseunderwater

Flushing a loo for every 4th time or so that you go. If its yellow let mellow... If its t'other let it go! Mind you I need to clean pan a bit more. We are 3 & we use between 7-10CM/month - we run a dish/washing machine once per day min & a wash machine 9kg load when we have a load. Often during ec 7 time. Our monthly bill on old system was £55/month now £28, but I am expecting a rise to nearer £36 in July as there will be an underpayment. But it is a huge saving for us.