A water meter measures how much water you use. It’s similar to a gas or electricity meter.
Water meters have important benefits for you, for us and for the environment:
We believe meters are the fairest way to charge for water. They also encourage people to use water more efficiently, and make it easier to detect leaks and waste.
Reducing water use not only helps the environment and the wildlife that shares our waterways, it helps to keep our costs down too. You can find out how much you use on everyday activities and get easy tips for using less in how to save water.
For more information, please see our booklet Your Option to Meter.
It depends on how much water you use.
Here are two calculators to give you an idea of how much you would pay each year if you had a meter:
If you would like to have a meter installed, please complete the water meter application form.
Average water use per household
Number of people
Cubic metres per year
1
60
2
110
3
150
4
180
5
200
6
220
1 cubic metre = 1,000 litres
Flats – you can have an individual meter for your flat if:
If you need a communal meter, the managing agents or residents’ association must agree to having one installed.
Tenants – if you live in rented property, you have a legal right to go onto a water meter if you choose. Please make sure your landlord or owner knows that you are applying for one.
The landlord or owner cannot stop us installing a meter unless there is a reason, such as major plumbing works or alterations being necessary.
If you have a fixed-term tenancy, it must be for more than six months.
Landlords – you can only apply for a meter if your name is on the water bill. Please make sure you tell your tenants that you want to have a water meter fitted at the property.
Your meter will be fitted to the pipe that supplies your property from the mains.
We usually put the meter in a small underground box under the pavement, footpath or grass verge near the front boundary of your property. It could be in the road. Sometimes we use a box on an outside wall.
If you live in a flat or communal property, or if your property does not have its own boundary stop tap and you want to have an individual meter, we may have to fit it inside the building, next to the inside stop tap. However, we will need access to it during normal working hours for reading and maintenance.
The position of the water meter does not affect the property owner’s responsibility to maintain the pipework and fittings.
We won’t be able to install a meter if:
If we can't install a meter for any reason other than the circumstances above you can choose to go on an assessed charge. This is based on:
Journalists can contact the Press Office on 01392 443020 or via email.
Water meters have important benefits for you, for us and for the environment as you can have more control over your water use and leaks are easier to detect.
Find out more