Metering

All new supplies should be metered, as set out in the Water Industry Act 1991.

We'll fit external meters when we install the new water connections. We'll record the meter details at the same time so we can set up a billing account.

External meters

The meter should be installed at the boundary of the property. This is usually in the footpath or the road outside the property boundary, at the point where the external stop tap is located. If this isn’t practical, the meter will need to be installed inside the boundary of the property, in either an external or internal location. We’ll need to discuss with you how and where this meter will be fitted, to ensure it captures all water usage.

Internal meters

For blocks of flats, you'll need to order the meters from us and install the meters internally yourselves. All internal meters must be ordered through Thames Water and any B-Class meters installed will be rejected. 

Meter ordering

Once you've paid your quote, you can order your meters from us. Please contact us or use the meter ordering form or self-lay meter ordering form.

The timescale for delivery of your meters is 4 - 6 weeks. We can deliver meters to any address within the Thames Water region. We ask that you don't place large bulk orders. Orders are capped at 200.

Please order your meters when you're ready to install them. Avoid keeping them in storage for prolonged periods. Lost or damaged meters are chargeable and have a 4 - 6 week delivery time.

Meter installation

You should install the internal meters in a communally accessible location, as we need to access the meter to confirm readings, or to maintain or replace them. We don’t permit meters to be fitted in ceiling voids, as they may be unsafe to access. There must also be no obstruction preventing the meter being read. Learn more in our metering policy.

Setting up billing accounts

You need to notify us when meters are installed, as well as provide the postal addresses allocated to each plot. We’ll arrange to visit the site to record the details of each meter and check they’ve been fitted correctly (any non-compliant meters will need to be amended causing delays in the completion of the development) - we’ll use this information to set up the billing accounts. The billing account will be in the name of the developer until we are sent the handover information or until the new occupier calls to set up their account.

For non-household properties, we'll notify the Market Operator of the connection date and meter details. They'll in turn notify the appointed retailer who'll contact the developer about billing until the property transfers to the new occupier.

Self Lay

Self Lay providers should fit a Thames Water meter on every new service connection. The meters should be ordered from Thames Water and installed according to our policy guidelines. Please see the internal meters section above.

For non-household properties, we need you to contact us within 24 hours of making the connection, to confirm that you’ve done so and to provide us with the property’s meter detail. We’ll then be able to pass on this information to the Market Operator and the retailer will set up the billing account.

For household connections you must notify us of the details within three days of the connection, as required by the Code of Practice.

Our metering policy

The latest policy includes updates to our stance on the location of internal-fit meters in apartment blocks. Any applications you make for water supply must be accompanied by designs which comply with the policy. If you’re unable to follow the policy because your design is too far advanced, you’ll need to evidence that the development has already reached RIBA Stage 3 (‘Developed Design’). Any applications where the building design is at RIBA Stage 2 or earlier will be expected to conform to the policy. You can download details of the Sensus 640 meter specification.