Compulsary Water Meter Installation

MrsWilderbeast

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I've had a man at my door today saying he is from South Staffordshire water and he has come to fit a water meter and that it is compulsory due to some government ruling in 2021. Is this correct? Can I be forced to have a water meter fitted? I'm not wasteful with water and I don't have a swimming pool to keep filled. Surely this should be my choice?

 

TadleyBaggie

When a meter is not compulsory

• In most homes in England and Wales:

  You have the right to request a free water meter from your water company and can usually switch back to unmetered billing if you're unhappy with it. 

Switching back:

If you find a water meter isn't saving you money, you can usually change back to unmetered charges within twelve months of installing the meter. 

When a meter can be compulsory

• New build properties:

  Since 1990, it has been mandatory to fit a water meter on all new residential properties in England and Wales. 

Areas of water stress:

Water companies are permitted to install compulsory meters in areas officially declared as having serious water stress. 

New occupants:

Water companies can install a meter and charge on that basis when a new occupier moves into a property, as long as they haven't already been sent an unmetered bill. 

Specific usage:

A water company can insist on installing a meter if you use water for certain purposes, including: 

• Watering your garden with automatic devices 

Automatic replenishment of swimming pools or large ponds 

Using a large bath or certain types of showers 

Using a water softening unit with reverse osmosis 

freesha

Yes, they can, for the above reasons. What's the issue with paying for what you use? Presumably you have no problems with being billed for gas and electricity this way?

Bigphil1474

If you are careful with water use and are paying based on your rateable value, then you are almost certainly gonna be better off with a meter.