How water charging works in the UK
In England and Wales, water bills use one of two methods, and each suits different homes. A metered bill charges you for the water you use. An unmetered bill uses the rateable value of your home or a fixed charge.
Scotland and Northern Ireland work differently. This guide covers England and Wales. Check your own water company for details.
How to tell which you’re on
Look at your bill, because it shows which method you pay by. A metered bill shows meter readings and the amount used. An unmetered bill shows a charge based on your property.
If you are unsure, ask your water company. You can also look for a meter in the pavement or garden. Our guide to how to read a water meter explains more.
Which is better value?
It depends on how much water you use. Small households often pay less with a meter, since they use less. Large households may pay more.
Use the Consumer Council for Water calculator, because it gives an estimate. Think about your habits too. A garden, a pool or lots of washing can raise use.
How to switch to a meter
In England and Wales, you can ask your water company to fit a meter for free, unless it is not practical or costs too much. Contact them and ask. Tenants can ask too.
Check how long you have to switch back if you change your mind. The law gives at least 12 months, and some companies give longer. Ask your own company for the terms.
Reading a water meter
Read the digits and note the date, because the date matters for your bill. Meters show cubic metres. Send the reading if your company asks.
Take readings regularly. They help you spot leaks, since a sudden rise shows a problem.
Water efficiency and meter savings
Using less water cuts a metered bill. Fix leaks, take shorter showers and use full loads in washing machines. Our guide to water efficiency tips has more ideas.
Small changes add up over a year. Therefore, start with the easy ones.
Sewerage charges
Your bill may include sewerage as well as water supply, while surface water drainage can appear as a charge. Surface water drainage can also appear as a charge. If you are not connected to the public sewer, you may not pay for it.
Ask your water company what your charges cover. If your home uses a septic tank, check your bill carefully.
Key contacts
Your water company deals with bills and meters, while the Consumer Council for Water helps if you have a complaint. The Consumer Council for Water helps if you have a complaint. Ofwat is the regulator in England and Wales.
Keep your account number handy when you call. Write down the date and the name of the person you spoke to.
Related guides and local help
If you want to know more, read Water Efficiency in UK Homes: Practical Measures That Work. You can also read Smart Home Plumbing Technology: What Is Worth Buying Now and Water Softener Guide: How They Work, Costs and Installation, because they cover closely related problems.
These guides help too: Scale Inhibitors for UK Homes: Do They Actually Work?, Bathroom Drain Problems: Hair, Soap Scum and Real Fixes, 6 Ways to Protect Your Pipes from Freezing This Winter, Blocked Bath Drain: Causes, Quick Fixes and Prevention Tips and Plumbing Jargon Explained: A Homeowner’s Guide to Key Terms. Each one explains a related topic in plain English.
Need help near you? Read our plumbing help page first, or see Plumbing Repairs in Chesterfield and Plumbing Repairs in Chichester. You can also see Leak Detection in Farnborough, since every service page has a free quote form. We pass each request to a local drainage engineer.
