Your area is facing serious water shortages. This is due to climate change, a growing population, more new homes being built and people using more water. If we don’t act now, there may not be enough water for everyone in the future.

Water meters help us protect water supplies and spot wasteful leaks. They help you use water wisely and give you the power to only pay for what you use.

No, water meters are compulsory in your area. This is part of a national effort to make sure everyone has enough water now and in the future. Think of it like your energy bill, you’ll only pay for what you use.

Yes. In 2024 our water management plan was approved, which gives the legal right to install water meters in areas facing serious water shortages. This is part of a wider national effort to secure water supplies for the future.

The following laws, that apply to areas like yours officially designated by the Secretary of State as seriously water stressed, give us permission to install water meters:

• Water Industry Act 1991 (sections 162 and 172)
• Water Industry (Prescribed Conditions) Regulations 1999, updated in 2007

Water meters are being installed as part of a nationwide initiative to improve the efficiency and sustainability of water use.

Installing meters helps to:​

• Ensure fairness – Customers only pay for the water they actually use, rather than a fixed charge based on the size of their home
• Encourage water conservation – Metered usage helps people become more aware of how much water they’re using, which often leads to reduced consumption
• Plan for the future – Monitoring water usage helps water companies identify leaks more quickly and plan improvements to the network
• ​Comply with regulations – Installing water meters is a legal requirement to manage water resources effectively
  

There are several advantages to having a water meter installed:​

• You are in control – rather than paying a bill based on the average usage for the size of house you live in, you only pay for what you use. If you use less water, you will pay lower bills
• Fair and accurate billing – You pay for exactly what you use, just like gas or electricity
• Better water awareness – Seeing your usage can help you take simple steps to reduce waste and lower your bill
• Protect nature – Using less water helps protect local rivers, reservoirs, and the wider environment
• Improved leak detection – Meters help us to identify leaks more quickly, reducing water loss and potential damage

We are fitting meters to all properties in your area, even if you are moving house.

We aim to fit meters outside the property where we can, so you may not need to be in - if you do, we'll contact you to let you know. If you’re moving home, (even without a meter install) then you’ll need to let us know so that we can update our records.

You can provide the details of your move up to 30 days ahead of your planned move but if you’re on a water meter, we’d recommend taking a reading on the day before you move and before completing one of the forms on our website. This allows us to process your move with an accurate bill.

If you’re unable to take a reading don’t worry, we’ll update your account using estimated charges.

You will pay for your water services based on how much water passes through the meter (how much you use).

You will receive two bills each year (one every six months) and we will always aim for one of these to be based on an actual meter reading. Your metered charges will begin when your meter is read - this will support you to only pay for what you use. Once your meter is installed, we will write to you and let you know when the meter will be read. 

There are lots of ways that you can pay your bill but Direct Debit is the easiest and most convenient. See more ways to pay. 

Our preference is to install the meter outside your property, in the footpath - you don't need to be in so we won't need to bother you.

If we can't fit the meter in the footpath, we will look to install the meter either on your property boundary or inside your property. If this is the case, we will contact you to let you know, and arrange a suitable appointment time. 

A water meter is a device that measures the volume of water flowing into a property, allowing water companies to bill customers based on their actual water usage. It's similar to a gas or electricity meter.

Having a water meter can help you track your water usage and potentially identify leaks. 

The meter captures how much water you use, which we will use to make sure you have an accurate bill. The meter can also tell us if there is a leak on your property or on the pipe that feeds your house, helping us to reduce water wastage quickly. 

Taking care not to waste water has benefits for us all. And by saving water, you could save money too!

We have lots of tips on how to save water on our website, and when you have your meter installed we will provide you with a helpful leaflet too. 

We will write to you before we come to install your meter. We will then visit your street to complete a survey so we know where to fit your meter. If we can install the meter on this day, we will. If we need to revisit to install the meter, we will let you know.

We may sometimes need to work with the council to agree a permit, or we may need to arrange traffic lights to complete the work safely. If we need to come back to fit the meter inside your property, we will let you know, and will be in touch to arrange a suitable appointment time. 

Yes, we will be installing water meters free of charge.