Getting a water meter can save you over £100 a year.
You can decide to pay for water you use through a meter instead of paying for it with your rent, as you may do now. Depending on how much water you use, you could save money by paying for your water by direct debit.
Water providers may change their policy on charging and metering, you will have to keep to these changes. If you use a lot of water, you could end up paying more.
You can pay for your water along with your rent and use as much water as you like. When you have to pay for all the water you use with a meter, you may feel you have to use less.
If you choose to have a meter installed, you can switch back to your previous method of charging within the first 24 months, but they will not remove the meter. (You may not be able to switch back to unmetered charges if you live in an area of water stress, where the Government has allowed compulsory metering as part of a plan to maintain secure water supplies.)
How do I get a water meter fitted?
You do not need our permission to install a water meter, but the installation is subject to a survey by your water provider.
Simply call your local water supplier to request a water meter. Alternatively, you can apply on your supplier's website.
What if I need advice?
If you need advice about having a water meter fitted or anything else to do with water meters, you can:
• phone your provider’s helpline
• call us on 0345 8 507 507
• if you visit any of our Hubs, our colleagues can contact your provider on your behalf
I am on a low income and I need to use a lot of water. What help is available if my bill goes up when I go onto a meter?
Your water provider can also provide you with the latest information on water meters if you are receiving benefits or tax credits. Every company offers the ‘WaterSure’ tariff. WaterSure is the name given to the vulnerable groups tariff, introduced in England by Government regulations in April 2000. This tariff caps the bill, at the average household bill for their area, for certain metered household customers.
WaterSure applies to metered customers who receive specified benefits and:
• have three or more dependant children living with them; or
• suffer from (or have someone living with them who suffers from) a medical condition that involves using large volumes of water.
If you think you may be eligible, contact your provider for more information on how to apply.
There are various other schemes available that could help if you are finding it hard to pay your bill or are in arrears. If you are not in receipt of benefits but have a low income, you might qualify for the WaterSupport scheme, if your annual water bill is more than £350. If you receive a deductible income-based benefit, we can take payments directly from your benefits. Less hassle, less worry!
Call Yorkshire Water on 0345 1299 299 to apply.
What if I experience problems with my water supply?
If you can see your water meter, you need to tell your water provider if the meter is moving when you are not using any water. They can advise you how to check for underground leaks or problems with your household plumbing. If your bill is high and you suspect it is because you have a leak on your property, you should report it to the provider.
• If you have any problems with your water supply, you can contact OFWAT (the regulator for water services) on 0121 644 7500.
• If you want to complain contact the company that provides your water.
• Advice is available from your water provider and OFWAT.
Getting a water meter could save you over £100 a year.
Yorkshire Water have a helpful calculator to help you decide if a water meter is right for you.
If you can’t get a water meter, you can ask for a bill assessment. This is a much more accurate assessment based on the number of people in your house and your water usage habits. Again, if your bill is projected to go up, you can stay on your current billing system.
If you live in the Wakefield district contact Yorkshire Water to get a water meter installed on 0345 1 24 24 24.
You can also get free water saving gadgets - just ask them when you call or complete their online form.
