Water Bill - United Utilities

dunstonh

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81860209#Comment_81860209

Any comment as to why you are not going onto a meter seeing that it would probably result in lower billing?

SuzeQStan

just to provide an example of existing metered household with United Utilitiies.

we are 2x people with slightly below average water usage - I was surprised to see how consistent our consumption actually was when looking at our water bills. Our > 5x year average is just over 200 litres per day

Back in 2023/4, our UU direct debit was approx~ £43.00 which went up to £47.00 over the course of 2024/5.

and we’ve had an email last week saying our debit will increase by 12% come April 2026.

So in real terms with consistent rates of consumption our direct debit will have increased by 23% in 3 years when our direct debit should rise to £53.00 in April 2026.

LMS123

Same here. UU . 2 people with water butts, 2 min showers etc etc. Meter. Water bill in 2021 when we moved here was £27/month. Now going to £45/month this April. (25% rise last year and another 12% on top of that this year).

quanto2009

How do UU water bills calculated on unmetered supply

I can see they use the rateable value but can't find how and where the rateable value is generated for a private property

My bills in Manchester are now £338 a quarter for 3 bed semi with 4 people so over £1300 a year.

Googling says average is £600-700 a year?

I know that water meter meter is supposedly cheaper just trying to understand how they calculate the bill.

Thanks

MattMattMattUK

Rateable values are a legacy from pre council tax, the water supplier does not calculate them. The water charge is then applied based on the rateable value. They are not changed, the rateable value you have now is the one you are stuck with, although the water charge can and will go up every year.

Calculate your metered usage using the CCW link, work out which is cheaper, pick the cheaper one. Note that you will almost certainly be moved to a meter in the next five years anyway.