Considering a water meter?
Having a water meter has many benefits - and it makes environmental sense too. Many customers find that their bills are cheaper, as these depend on the amount of water used, instead of a rate-based tariff. And because you only pay for what you use, you'll also find you have more control of your bills.
Ways to request a water meter
Before requesting a water meter, please read our frequently asked questions below.
Online
To request a water meter online, please click on the link below.
By phone
Call us on 0845 9200 888. Lines are open weekdays from 8am to 8pm and on Saturday from 8am to 1pm (Minicom or Typetalk: 0845 7200 899).
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?
Since you only pay for what you use, plus a fixed charge, a water meter is the fairest way to pay for your water.
Please click the link to our charges table below to establish 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.
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 estimated water usage.
How can I find out if I can have a meter fitted?
To request a meter online, please click on the link below.
Or you can call us on 0845 9200 888. Lines are open weekdays from 8am to 8pm and on Saturday from 8am to 1pm (Minicom or Typetalk: 0845 7200 899).
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 yor property to see if a meter can be fitted.
Please note, in some cases we are unable to fit a meter - for example, if the pipework is not suitable. If this is the case, we may be able to consider an alternative rate of charge.
How long does it normally take to have a meter fitted?
Firstly, we need to assess whether a meter can be installed. We will visit your property to see if a water meter can be fitted. As water meters are usually fitted outside, we can often do this without the need for anyone to be present. If we need further access, we will contact you to arrange this.
Depending on the complexity of each case, it can take up to 60 days from the date of your request for your water meter to be fitted. Until then, you will remain on your current charge basis. Once a water meter has been installed, we confirm this in writing, with your new account and payment information.
Why are water meters fitted outside?
Water meters are normally fitted outside the property, as they are easier to read and maintain, but in some cases we will fit a wter meter inside a property.
If you ask us to fit your water meter in a different location to where we decide and this incurs additional costs, we will ask you to pay the difference.
What if I change my mind?
If you change your mind, please inform us within 12 months of the water meter being fitted, or within one month of your second metered bill, whichever is the latter. You will then be charged on your previous unmetered tariff from the date we receive your notification.
We will then revert your account back to our unmetered charge. However, should you move out of your property, the new occupier will be billed on their metered usage.
If you would like to revert your account back to our unmetered charge, please contact us.
By email
Use our online form to send us an enquiry.
Complete our online enquiry form
By telephone
Please call our Customer Centre on 0845 9200 888, open weekdays from 8am to 8pm and Saturday from 8am to 1pm (Minicom: 0845 7200 898).
If you are trying to contact us from outside the UK, please call +44 1793 366011.
Is it compulsory to have a meter?
Since 1 April 2005, we have been installing water meters in certain areas of our region where there has been a change of occupancy.
We have the legal right to do this under section 144B of the Water Industry Act. For further information, please refer to our regulator, Ofwat's website.
We are also entitled to fit a meter when a property has been converted into flats. Visit the Services for developers section of our website for further details.
What happens if I make changes to my property?
If you decide to change the structure of your property, such as converting it into flats or using part of the premises for commercial use, you are responsible for letting us know before the work commences. We can then ensure you are being charged correctly.
If this is the case, please contact our Developer Services team who will be able to help you.
