Water meters - pros and cons?

Art_2

scootermacc wrote: »

Does anyone have any experience or advice on whether gettnig a water meter might save money or not?

I have a natural reluctance against the idea in case my billis astronomical, but this is emotion not fact.

Anyone help?

They say the break even is a family of 2 adults and 2 children with normal useage. I live alone and saved a fortune when I had a meter installed.

Also, I think with some water companies you have a period in which you can revert to the old system.

Regards,
Arthur.

savingsara_2

Definitely saved us money. Two of us using shower daily, both at home alot. Washing machine and dishwasher on 3-5 times a week (each). Don't use hosepipe (though there's never been a ban round here as far as I know!:rolleyes: ) We are mindful of how much we use, but not stingey.

Three years ago the water bill arrived and it was £401, so we decided to try a meter to see if it would cost less. We could have reverted back within the first 12 months. 2007/08 bill arrived this morning - £238. (I wonder how much it would have been if we'd stayed with the old rateable value system....)

savingsara_2

westcountry_saver wrote: »

My water bill for 2007/2008 is £721 (South West Water) For 2 people in a 3 bed semi. After reading these posts I am calling the water board tomorrow to ask for a meter.

Ouch!!!!
I don't blame you. We are already metered with Yorkshire Water. 2 adults and two dogs, plus visitors occasionally (:rolleyes: ) in a 3 bed detatched..£238 for the next years water!

Jane_gs

pak2 wrote: »

Normaly the water company them selves are very good at working out what u would use, thus enabling to give a basis on whether u will save.

In general single old people will save, families won't save, single young people will save for while until 1 becomes 2, becomes 3.

Some companies apparently will offer to remove meter if it doesn't work out cheaper for you, but I'm not sure how this would be cost effective?

Pak

Well said :T

roddydogs

Theres just one snag-i applied for a free water meter, got all the" Literature" it states that "Having a water meter might affect the "earthing" of the electricity system-its your expense to get this done. i was quoted £75 for this provided i remove all the carpets and lift all the necessary floorboards!
needless to say i declined the offer.
But what will happen if they make them compulsory? who will pay for this then? (old houses only)

MiserlyMartin

I caved in and got a meter. You might see somewhere on this forum a post from 2 or 3 years ago that I made being steadfast against metering. I didn't trust them.

When my bill went up to £400 a year it was the last straw. I did calculations and found I was ok for Anglian Waters so-lo tariff with no standing charge, but a higher unit price. So far I've had the company asking me if the house is empty because I use so little water! They are also checking my meter is ok. I didn't see that I use so little water before. I shower in the gym etc. I run dishwasher only about once or twice a week and I re-cycle grey water to flush the loo. I did that anyway before the meter. I now regret throwing away £200-300 a year all these years before getting the meter for my house.

The tariff is great because when I'm away on holiday, no use and no standing charges.

Suzi.Q_3

We've just moved house and had our first water bill - £486 for 10 months :eek:
I think we're going to get a meter fitted - according to United Utilities online calculator we should save £160 a year, so it makes sense to do it. The only thing holding me back slightly is I'm thinking what about if/when we have kids, but that's a good 3-5 years away yet.

aah

I did it - bill has reduced from £240 (1 bed flat) to £60!

chrissie55

For the 2 of us, the meter has been a saver. If u have kids, it's never too early to teach them to be careful with resources - people who haven't been raised with the financial/ecological facts of life find it harder to cope when they leave home, & may end up needing to be bailed out/taken in again!

nivals

all

1 occupant using 41-68m3 of water per year, 0.11-0.19m3 per day would have a monthly bill of £15-19.58
2 occupants 82-127m3 per year, 0.22-0.35m3 per day would have a month bill of £21.92-£29.58
3 occupants 114-182m3 per year, 0.31-0.50m3 per day = £27.42-£38.92 per month

This is using united utilities water meter charging guide.

Thanks