smart water meter installed on the sly

Orm · 2026-08-01T09:55:57+00:00

got an estimated water bill so i did what i usually do and went up the path onto the pavement where the cover to the water meter is. I opened it and discovered my water meter was gone ant there was a blank meter with no dial. i got onto them and the said they didn't know why it had been removed but they would fit a new one. A few weeks later i got a card through the door telling me i noew had a new smart water meter. I didnt want a smart water meter and if they had suggested i had one i would have refused. can i get it removed ? any advice please.

la531983 · 2026-08-01T09:57:15+00:00

Right, OK, whats your problem with it?

flaneurs_lobster · 2026-08-01T10:03:57+00:00

There was a meter, then there wasn't, now there is a meter.

Your issue is what exactly?

la531983 · 2026-08-01T10:07:37+00:00

The old meter some bloke from the water company would have lifted the metal grate and read it manually

The new one some bloke from the water company drives past and takes the reading by radio.

Struggling to see the issue for you here.

Mister_G · 2026-08-01T10:19:46+00:00

And the meter belongs to the water company, so they can replace it whenever they wish.

HonestJohn · 2026-08-01T14:06:41+00:00

Thames Water got approval to fit smart meters in 'stressed areas'. The only way you know have one is when they put a card through your door after it has been fitted. They only do that to let you know it needs flushing through. Happy with mine though. I can check daily usage through my online account. They take a reading daily via a wireless network. No driving past necessary.