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- Water meters▼
Why have a meter? - How to read your meter
- Meter options
- Water saving advice▼
- About your water supply▼
- Your water quality & hardness▼
- Water pressure
- Avoiding & handling winter emergencies▼
Why have a meter?
If we all use water wisely, we can help reduce the amount taken from rivers and underground sources. By opting for a meter you not only benefit the environment by being more aware of your own use, but it may also help reduce your water charges. The following information will help you to make that choice and apply for a meter to be fitted. Unmetered charges for water are based on the rateable value (RV) of your property, as shown on your water bill.
As an alternative you can have a meter installed so that future bills are based upon the amount of water you actually use.
In some cases it is compulsory to install a water meter at a household property. This is when we consider that a substantial amount of water would be used over and above that of a normal household. These occasions are:
- If you use a garden sprinkler.
- If you leave a hosepipe running unattended.
- If you have a swimming pool or garden pond with a capacity greater than 10,000 litres.
You can download a copy of our Household Water Metering booklet which explains in more detail how charges are applied.
- Will I be better off on a meter?
- Our meter options page will help you decide whether you could benefit from having a meter installed. This should only be used as a guide because water usage can vary considerably depending on the individual household.
- How will my charges be calculated?
- The charges on the bill will be for water, used water, water standing charge, sewerage standing charge and surface water drainage.
- The water and used water charges are calculated based on the water usage. The water standing charge is based on the size of the meter and covers the cost of reading, billing, maintaining and when necessary, replacing the meter. The sewerage standing charge is also based on the size of the meter to recover the costs incurred by Severn Trent Water. Lastly, the surface water drainage charge covers the collection and treatment of rainwater that falls on to your property and drains into the public sewers.
- Please note that the charges for used water, sewerage standing and surface water drainage are set by Severn Trent Water and we act as agents for the billing and collection of their charges.
- Sewerage and surface water drainage charges are collected by South Staffs Water on behalf of Severn Trent Water.
- Where will the meter be installed?
- Our preferred location is outside at the boundary of your home, where our existing main stop tap (MST) is located either on the footpath or just within the boundary of your home.
- Sometimes it's not possible to install an external meter, usually owing to shared supplies. In these circumstances we will carry out a survey to fit the meter inside, where the supply first enters the property.
- How much will it cost?
- Normally the meter will be fitted free of charge, as long as the meter is fitted in one of our preferred locations and the work can be carried out practically and at reasonable expense. Please refer to the leaflet for details of occasions when you would have to pay.
- What is not included?
- Sometimes you may need to carry out work prior to a meter being fitted, for example structural work or removal of kitchen cupboards. These would have to be undertaken by you and at your cost. Please refer to the leaflet for a full list of what you may have to pay for.
- What if you cannot install a meter?
- If the plumbing is complex and the cost of installing the meter is unreasonable we will offer you the choice of either an 'assessed charge' or remaining on your current way of billing. If a person is the sole occupier of a property, you may be entitled to a single person's assessed charge.
| Dwelling Type | Assessed Charge for Water- £/pa | Assessed Charge for Sewerage- £/pa | Surface Water Drainage- £/pa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terrace / Flat | £111.69 | £103.56 | £26.46 |
| Semi - Detached | £155.55 | £118.23 | £53.04 |
| Detached | £197.09 | £132.41 | £79.49 |
| Single Person | £98.55 | £66.94 | Applicable property type charge (as above) |
- How do I apply for a meter?
- If you wish to have a meter installed, please complete the application form in our metering booklet.
- What if I change my mind?
- You can change your mind at any stage until the meter is installed.
- If, once the meter has been installed, you find that your bill is higher than your previous charges, you can revert back to charges based on the rateable value of your home. This must be done in writing within 12 months of the meter being installed. You will have to pay for the water registered through the meter up to the date of your request.
- How do I read the meter?
- Please go to our how to read your meter page (link on the right) for information.
- How do I pay my metered water bills?
- Please go to our payment options page on the right for details.
Rented accommodation
If you live in rented accommodation you can still have a meter fitted, free of charge subject to conditions. You must let your landlord know that you have asked us for a meter.
If your tenancy is less than six months, you must obtain your landlord's written permission before applying, a copy of which must be submitted with the application form.
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How to read your meter
