Broken water meter

bcah

Hi,

Portsmouth water have just discovered that our water meter has stopped working. We moved in to a rented property in May ‘23 and they tell us they’ve been “taking the same reading for years”. They are due to come here on 5 Jan to ask us to run the taps while they check the meter, to confirm it’s broken status. 

We have been diligently paying estimated bills by Direct Debit since May, as well as paying Southern Water, separately, for waste water which, I believe, is based on the estimated fresh water usage. 

Firstly, where do we stand in terms of charges for the last 7 months and our accrued credit? And, how should we expect to be charged moving forward, until the meter is fixed/replaced? We’re very careful with water so I’ll be really annoyed if we get charged on average usage. Also, who is likely to be liable for the cost of fixing/replacing the meter; Portsmouth Water, us or our landlord?

Thanks for any help!

Mark_d

Portsmouth Water should be replacing the meter.  I assume you'll be charged for water based on average usage/unmetered.  This does not sound unreasonable - unless you have any evidence to suggest otherwise

bcah

Mark_d said:

Portsmouth Water should be replacing the meter.  I assume you'll be charged for water based on average usage/unmetered.  This does not sound unreasonable - unless you have any evidence to suggest otherwise

Thanks Mark_d. That makes sense. Shame no evidence of ‘Navy showers’ or using grey water to flush or water the garden. Oh well! I’m sure it did some good in the grand scheme of things!

kazwookie

they tell us they’ve been “taking the same reading for years”. If 'they' have been taking the same reading for years, why did 'they' not think to question it?? If it come to it, I would put up an agrument with 'them' about not questioning the same reading for years.

Cardew

The normal industry method is to measure your consumption over a fixed period - say 2 weeks - after you have a working meter and use that consumption to calculate back to when you moved in.

So don;t bother to do any washing etc during that period. 

bcah

Brilliant, thanks for the advice everyone - appreciated.