petethegeek Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 We received notice of this year's water rates this morning that included the traditional above inflation rise - whichever measure you choose to use. Every year I decide I must look into getting a meter installed and end up doing nothing about it. We are empty nesters and our main water usage is a shower every day, a dishwasher which is probably used two/three times a week and a hosepipe for washing the cars and watering the garden when it gets dry in the summer. I am not aware of any close neighbours who have had a meter installed, but anecdotal evidence seems to strongly suggest that we would be considerably better off economically on a meter. Anyone any experience/views on this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 I had a water meter fitted back in the 1990's. I was told to continue using water as per normal, and not to 'skimp' on it. I believe that I am saving a few £100 a year in charges. When the meter was fitted, it was just myself and my 2 children. Now it's just my wife and myself. We hose the patio down regulary, jet wash our cars, and have always got the washing machine on. But we don't let taps drip etc. My opinion is that everyone should have a meter fitted. Like gas and electric, the more you use, the more you pay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kev56 Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 hi pete, i've been thinking the same thing, looked into a little bit but still confused, you can make a rough guess at what you use in side the house, but my missus does love to use the hosepipe for the garden, depending on the weather, so it's a tricky one. I looked at this site but still can't decide. let us know how it pans out in the future. http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/cut-water-bills#calculators Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vampire Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 We are better off with a water meter,3 of us and we use water butt for garden,only use showers and do full loads with dishwasher/washing machine Also depends on what band your council tax is Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BerettaSV10 Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 I have been on a meter for years and it does save me money. If you have a family continually use the hose pipe, fill the bath numerous time a day / week have the washing machine in constant use several time a day think long and hard as this may cost you more on a meter. Check with the water company if you have a meter fitted can you revert back to normal billing if you find the charge is excessive by using the meter. I was told by some one looking into this some companies give you a 12 month period in which you can revert back to normal billing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard.Hosgood Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 In the South West, having a meter fitted on a rated house then means you have a year to change your mind and revert back to rates, and use that time to assess if your saving money by having it fitted - not sure what region you are in and what they offer though (on phone internet so can't see profile) I currently pay just shy of 60 a month on rates, and its going up (again) in April, so am going to be doing the above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kes Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 We changed from a fixed cost to a meter when we did our main building work. We are careful with water and are now down to 3 from4 residents. The charges we pay have reduced but not by a stunning amount, more than enough to justify the change though. In this day and age, I cannot see a careful user being better off on an unrestricted (unmetered) supply. Would be worth practicing before you decide to change, to see if you can work with a reasonable consumption regime. My guess is you'd be better off but dont book an extra holiday on the strength of expected savings. Keep your route back open if you can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin lad Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 We received notice of this year's water rates this morning that included the traditional above inflation rise - whichever measure you choose to use. Every year I decide I must look into getting a meter installed and end up doing nothing about it. We are empty nesters and our main water usage is a shower every day, a dishwasher which is probably used two/three times a week and a hosepipe for washing the cars and watering the garden when it gets dry in the summer. I am not aware of any close neighbours who have had a meter installed, but anecdotal evidence seems to strongly suggest that we would be considerably better off economically on a meter. Anyone any experience/views on this? 5 in my family we was paying £50 per month now have meter and pay £32 per month and dont scrimp on use colin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 As per Richard H above. We pay the highest rates by far in the country (South West Water) because of 'Clean Sweep' which is to improve the standard of our coastal waters so all you holiday makers aren't ill after spending the day on our glorious beaches. The meter system is far, far cheaper for us without scrimping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBS Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 Can anyone with a meter let me know how many cubic litres they use per month? I've been in my house five years and pay on average 250 to 300 pounds every six months, there's only two of us and I'm really careful with what I use as it seems so expensive. I'm beggining to think my meter might be on the blink! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besty57 Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 i did the calculator on northumbrian water website.and according to the comparison i would be worse off with a meter.which i was surprised to see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leeds chimp Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 pay £19 a month...me SWMBO and little one.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun4860 Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 (edited) I pay £27.14 a month over 10 months, so thats £271.40 per year Live on me own so dont know if a meter would save me much? how do you work it out? just checked according to Northumbria water it would save me £7 a month Edited February 22, 2012 by shaun4860 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V8 90 Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 We have a water meter & find it cheaper - we also have an underground tank that the gutters drain into - it has a submersible pump that pumps the water too an outdoor tap, can be used for washing cars (no lime in rain water), watering the garden etc - I even top my pond up as/when required + because we are saving rain water we save on our standard water charge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petethegeek Posted February 23, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 Check with the water company if you have a meter fitted can you revert back to normal billing if you find the charge is excessive by using the meter. I was told by some one looking into this some companies give you a 12 month period in which you can revert back to normal billing. In the South West, having a meter fitted on a rated house then means you have a year to change your mind and revert back to rates, and use that time to assess if your saving money by having it fitted - not sure what region you are in and what they offer though (on phone internet so can't see profile) We are with Severn Trent. After installing a meter they will allow you to switch back to the fixed rate "within 12 months of the date we fit the meter or within 30 days of receiving your second bill." However, if/when you sell the house it will revert to being metered without the option. I'd forgotten that the fixed charge was linked to the old rateable value of the property. I'm assuming the metered rate is the same regardless of the property band. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krugerandsmith Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 We received notice of this year's water rates this morning that included the traditional above inflation rise - whichever measure you choose to use. Every year I decide I must look into getting a meter installed and end up doing nothing about it. We are empty nesters and our main water usage is a shower every day, a dishwasher which is probably used two/three times a week and a hosepipe for washing the cars and watering the garden when it gets dry in the summer. I am not aware of any close neighbours who have had a meter installed, but anecdotal evidence seems to strongly suggest that we would be considerably better off economically on a meter. Anyone any experience/views on this? pete. Water meters great Idea until .....everyone has one .....then watch the consumed water unit prices rocket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ME Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 (edited) Hi Pete When I had my car valeting company I changed back from a water meter to traditional water rates. (so we could fill up with water at home) When I sold my car valeting company we changed back to a water meter. Even with two kids and a missus that isn't happy without the dishwasher and washing machine on EVERY day (sometimes twice a day) it works out better financially on a water meter. There are some water saving methods and devices that you could consider too - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IbCHgJjZ60 Edited February 23, 2012 by ME Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kes Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 Can anyone with a meter let me know how many cubic litres they use per month? I've been in my house five years and pay on average 250 to 300 pounds every six months, there's only two of us and I'm really careful with what I use as it seems so expensive. I'm beggining to think my meter might be on the blink! We use 1500 cmetres in 12months if thats a help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mungler Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 Offer a free water supply to all your neighbours, get a massive pond or swimming pool and rotovate your entire garden area and establish a dense tomato plantation. That would take the guess work / marginality out of your decision making process. I hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petethegeek Posted February 23, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mungler Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 That's the ticket. Job jobbed. Put me down for a couple of llbs of toms this Summer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beretta88 Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 I got a water metre theres the wife and two kids we use the hose to jet wash the cars fill the 12ft pool 4ft deep the wife has the springler on in the garden through the summer our bill arnt that bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr W Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 (edited) Just the me and the Mrs and our water rates were over £700 per year, We really only have showers, put the dishwasher on once or twice a week, put the washing machine on 2-3 times a week and use 3 water butts for the garden. Swapped to a meter and the last 6 months (Aug to Feb) just cost us £176, we used 49 cubic meters according to the bill I just received. To be fair I have got a little obsessive about saving water to the point I'll wait and use the loo at work so I can save on flushes however you have to remember that as well as the water charge you also get charged again for sewerage so worth reducing comsumption. Edited February 23, 2012 by Dr W Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cam_in_Cornwall Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 Water meters can be good if you are careful, here in Cornwall under SWW we have the highest rates in the UK for a 3-4 bed house the average is £1200 a year :-( If you have a young family and the washing machine is on daily etc I would stick to the rates system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ME Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 To be fair I have got a little obsessive about saving water to the point I'll wait and use the loo at work so I can save on flushes however you have to remember that as well as the water charge you also get charged again for sewerage so worth reducing comsumption. I bet you have a great selection of pens, post it notes, tippex and staples at home too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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