Understanding your bill: Frequently asked questions
This page offers answers to the most frequently asked billing questions.
How much have bills increased?
Thames Water customers will see an average price increase of around 1 per cent above inflation in 2010/11, with a typical household bill rising by £4 to £303-a-year, equivalent to just 83p-a-day per household.
Why have bills gone up above the rate of inflation?
Our bills have increased by an average of 1 per cent above the rate of inflation. This price increase was determined by our regulator Ofwat, under a five-year price plan.
How is my water bill worked out?
Most bills include charges for wastewater services. The charge for each service has two parts: a fixed charge and a variable charge.
The fixed charge covers costs that don't change like maintaining pipework, and the variable charge for metered homes is based on the amount of water used.
The variable charge for unmetered homes is based on the rateable value of the property.
Can I receive my bill electronically?
If you bank with Lloyds TSB, Natwest or the Royal Bank of Scotland, you can receive, track, store and pay bills with your online bank. You don't even have to have an online bank account to sign-up for this service.
Would I pay less if I had a water meter?
Water meters are the fairest way to charge for water as they directly link cost to consumption, therefore you can influence the size of your bill.
I applied for a water meter but was told my property isn't suitable. Will I pay higher water bills?
If your home is not suitable for a water meter we'll apply the Assessed Household Charge if it is of benefit to you.
Either one of three bands will be applied to your property, based on the number of bedrooms, or a single occupier tariff, if you live on your own.
Properties with one bedroom are charged £222*. Two bedrooms £236*, and three or more £284*.
The single occupier tariff, for customers living on their own, is £175*.
*The figures quoted relate to the financial year 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011.
