Would a water meter work for me?

A water meter is a pay-as-you-go system for water just like any other meter and could save some people money compared to the normal flat rate billing system that calculates charges based on the size of your property.

However a water meter is not suitable for everyone; the water regulator Ofwat recommends that only people who live alone and families that use a low to average amount of water can make savings whereas the large-sized family will probably lose out.

If you're not sure if it's suitable for you to get a water meter fitted, you can estimate your water usage here.
(Make sure that macros are enabled and that you have Microsoft Excel installed on your computer).

It works out cheaper - what do I do next?

Most people are entitled to a free water meter so if you think that you could make savings by having one installed, you need to contact your water company to arrange a home assessment so that they can determine the best place for the device to be fitted. Some companies will prefer to have the meter fitted inside your house whereas others will install it in a box outside within your property's boundaries.

What if things don't work out?

Not everyone will be allowed to have a meter fitted as the water company can deem it too expensive or impractical to fit one. If this is the case, your water company should base your bill on an assessed charge; ask your water company for more information.

If the meter itself doesn't save you money and works out more expensive than standard water charges in your area, you can revert back to the traditional way of billing within 12 months of the meter being fitted. If you move into a property that already has a meter, unfortunately you have to stick with it so make sure you know this about the property before you move in.