Having a water meter means you have more control over your bills - as you pay for what you use.

Many of our customers find that their bills are cheaper after switching to a water meter, as their new bills depend on the amount of water used, instead of a rate-based tariff.

And if you use less water after switching to a water meter, it makes environmental sense too.

What's more, if you're a domestic customer and we can install a meter at your property, we'll do so free of charge.

How to request a water meter

Before requesting a water meter, please read our frequently asked questions below.

Online

You can request a water meter using our online form:

Request a water meter

 
Call us

Please call us on 0845 9200 888 (Textphone: 0845 7200 899).

Our lines are open from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, from 8am to 1pm on Saturday and closed on Sunday and bank holidays.

Information you'll need when requesting a water meter:

• Your ten-digit account number (printed at the top of your bill)
• Your full name, contact telephone number and the address of the property concerned

Frequently asked questions

• How much should I expect to pay?

  • Water meters are generally recognised as the fairest way to pay for your water, as you will only have to pay for the amount of water you use, plus a fixed charge.

    Please click the link to our charges table below to find out how much your annual metered bill could be.

    You can compare this to your current charges to decide whether having a water meter would be a cheaper option.

    If your unmetered bill does not cover one full year, divide the bill by the number of days you have been billed for and multiply it by 365.

    • View our guidance charges table*

    You can use our water usage calculator to find out if you are a low, average or high user.

    *Our charges table shows approximate meter charges based on the number of people living in a property and the amount of water we think they would use.

• How can I find out if I can have a meter fitted?

  • To find out if you can have a water meter fitted, you can request one using our online form:

    Request a water meter
     
     
    Or you can call us on 0845 9200 888 (Textphone: 0845 7200 899).

    Our lines are open from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, from 8am to 1pm on Saturday and closed on Sunday and bank holidays. 

    You will need your ten-digit account number to hand, which can be found at the top of your bill.

    Once we've received your request, we'll arrange to visit your property to see if a meter can be fitted. 

    Please note
    If we are unable to fit a meter at your home, for example, if the pipework is not suitable, we’ll apply the Assessed Household Charge to your bill if it is less than what you are currently paying.

    • Find out more about the Assessed Household Charge
• How long does it normally take to have a meter fitted?

  • Having a meter gives you more control over what you pay.  You can also choose to save water, save energy and save money in small ways around the home. 

    Once we’ve received your request, we will call you within 10 working days to arrange a convenient appointment to confirm that we can fit a meter at your property.

    Assuming it’s possible, we’ll arrange to install your meter within 50 calendar days. Until then, you will remain on your current charge basis.

    Once we have fitted the water meter, we send you a letter to confirm this and to let you know your new account and payment information.

    Why are water meters fitted outside?
    Water meters are normally fitted outside properties as they are easier to read and maintain, but in some cases we will fit a water meter inside properties.
    
    If you ask us to fit your water meter in a different location to where we decide and this means it will cost more to install, we will ask you to pay the difference.

• What if I change my mind about having a water meter?

  • If you change your mind about having a meter after you have requested one, please let us know within 12 months of the water meter being fitted, or within one month of your second metered bill, whichever is the later date.

    We will then change your account back to our unmetered charges from the date you let us know.

    However, if you move out of your property, the new occupier will be charged using the meter.

    If you would like to change your account back to our unmetered charge, please contact us.

    By email
    Use our online form to send us an enquiry.

    Online enquiry form
     
      
    Call us
    Please call us on 0845 9200 888 (Textphone: 0845 7200 899).

    Our lines are open from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays and closed on Sundays and bank holidays.

    If you are trying to contact us from outside the UK, please call +44 1793 366011.

• Do I have to have a meter?

  • Under current legislation, it is compulsory to have a meter installed if the property:

    • Is new or has been converted
    • Has a swimming pool, a power shower* or uses a sprinkler
    • Is commercial or water is used for non-domestic purposes

    We can also choose to fit a meter when a new occupier moves into a property.

    *Power showers use an additional pump to increase the water pressure through the showerhead.

• Should I let you know if I make changes to my property?

  • If you decide to change the structure of your property, such as converting it into flats, selling part of it so one property becomes two or using part of the premises for commercial use, you are responsible for letting us know before the work starts.

    We can then ensure you are being charged correctly and install a water meter or additional meters if required.

    If this is the case, please contact our Developer Services team:

    Call us

    Please call us on 0845 850 2777.

    Our lines are open from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and are closed at weekends and bank holidays.

    Email us

    Please send your emails to developer.services@thameswater.co.uk

    Write to us

    Thames Water
    Developer Services
    Rose Kiln Court
    Rose Kiln Lane
    Reading
    RG2 0BY