Your water bill compared to your total gas and electricity bill

losgiganteskid

I was surprised to see that my water bill (metered - 2 adults) is 68% of what I pay for COMBINED gas and electricity. So looks like i'm getting a very favourable gas & leccy charge or a rip off water a/c. How does your compare ?

CashStrapped

It may be that high because you use a lot of water. Do you have a leak you are not aware of.

For example these could be:

1: Overflow pipe in toilet dripping.
2: Flush valve in push button toilet (look for a water ripple down the pan).
3: Flush settings on toilet. Is the mini flush set correctly.
4: Dripping taps.
5: Over watering garden.
6: Power washing car.
7. Having lots of baths and/or long showers.

You need to look at the meter readings, make sure they tally with the bill.

Then you need to work out how much water you have actually used in cubic meters (using meter readings) and over what period.

Just because there are only two adults, this does not mean you are efficient with your water use.

Technically, there is no "ripping off" with water as you can't switch. So you pay whatever your local distributor is charging. Same as everyone else (unless un-metered) in your area.

To be honest I am not sure I want the water market to be deregulated as that would mean we all end up switching our "water supplier" four times a year along with the gas and electric.

System

The average water bill in the UK ( as of Nov 15) was £182 per year. Sadly, this cost rises to £385 per year if sewage and surface water removal is included. In my view, OFWAT has proved to be a much more dynamic and effective regulator than its energy counterpart.

MoneyMate

My water bill (metered - 2 adults)per month is 50% of what I pay for COMBINED gas and electricity.

matelodave

My water bill is about 40% of my energy cost, that's for two of us at home all day

libra10

Our annual water bill (including everything) came to just under £563 this year, compared to last year's energy bill which was approximately £750.


I believe our water company (United Utilities) to be one of the most expensive in the country. There are three of us living here, my husband and myself - both pensioners, and our son who works all day.


Our home is unmetered, as information suggests that it is cheaper to remain unmetered if there are the same number of people living in home as bedrooms.


I think our water company is ripping us off compared to some areas.

[Deleted User]

21.26% average, 2006-2016 incl.

System

libra10 wrote: »

Our annual water bill (including everything) came to just under £563 this year, compared to last year's energy bill which was approximately £750.


I believe our water company (United Utilities) to be one of the most expensive in the country. There are three of us living here, my husband and myself - both pensioners, and our son who works all day.


Our home is unmetered, as information suggests that it is cheaper to remain unmetered if there are the same number of people living in home as bedrooms.


I think our water company is ripping us off compared to some areas.

A meter is worth trying in my view as your water bill is very high. From UU's website:

Switch back if you want

If you find after having it fitted that a meter isn’t right for you, you can revert back to being charged by your home’s rateable value as long as you ask us within 24 months of having your meter fitted. There is no charge for this.

[Deleted User]

Metered water bill usually about £190 a year. (compared to £300+ on water rates)

Electric around £360 a year.

libra10

Hengus wrote: »

A meter is worth trying in my view as your water bill is very high. From UU's website:

Switch back if you want

If you find after having it fitted that a meter isn’t right for you, you can revert back to being charged by your home’s rateable value as long as you ask us within 24 months of having your meter fitted. There is no charge for this.

Thanks very much for your comments hengus. Each year before paying, I think long and hard about asking for a meter to be fitted.


My husband and I are quite economical using water, but our son takes long, steamy showers, is always washing his car, and doesn't think about the amount of water he's using.


I definitely think we will have to try a meter though, it's ridiculous how much we are paying for water.

losgiganteskid

CashStrapped wrote: »

Technically, there is no "ripping off" with water as you can't switch. So you pay whatever your local distributor is charging.

Exactly - you can't switch hence no competition to keep prices in check !! - so I do think it is a rip off - I rest my case !!