Farm water bill

CM1980

theoretica said:

Who pays for the septic tanks?  Do you have your own and deal with that, do the properties share?  How good are they on the current legislation?  What about upkeep of the water pipes between the farm meter and your property?

To my mind, the water should be paid at whatever rate they are charged + a proportion of the standing charge.  But an additional fund towards sewage/pipes might be reasonable or an agreement to pay as needed.

Have you asked the waterboard about costs to get your own separate supply from them?  In the long term it might simplify things?

We all have individual septic tanks and maintain ours ourselves. The only question, like you say, would be a charge for pipe maintenance from meter to our property.

I think our relative initially wanted us all on separate meters from the water Co but that wasn't possible apparently. Would certainly make life easier. I might contact the local waterboard myself to check though. 

Cardew

You haven't stated which water company, but you can check their charges on-line. Bear in mind there is a huge variation in charges across UK.

With regard to getting your own dedicated supply and meter, that will mean you are liable for the standing charges. These also vary a great deal across UK, and indeed vary for districts in a company's area e.g. my supplier's (Severn Trent) standing charge for water supply range from £21.69pa to £99.67pa.

spiro

Another option could be to but water meters and fit one in each property involved. You will then know how much water each house is using. You can then split the bill accordingly.

MattMattMattUK

Afourteen said:

Personally I disagree with water meters on health grounds, whilst it makes people aware of the cost of clean potable water to the tap it also encourages unhealthy practises of people not washing regularly, not flushing the toilet, keeping mucky bath water for days (using an occasional bucket full to flush the toilet). 

That sounds insane and in no way connected to reality. I live alone, I shower at least once daily, often twice a day, flush the toilet after every use, wash sheets and towels every week, wash clothes after one wear etc. I just don't waste water and my water bill averages a little over £12 a month. Water is not expensive per person unless people are incredibly wasteful and someone would have to be mentally unhinged to do the things you suggest.