Can a water company force you to have a meter?
The company can refuse your request to install a meter if it would be impractical or too expensive to do so (see page 15). The company will choose where to put the meter. You can ask for it to be installed in a different place, but you may be required to pay the difference in costs.
Can I go back to unmetered water Thames water?
You’ll then be charged for your future water and wastewater services based on meter readings. We aim to meter all customers by 2030. If you apply for a meter earlier you won’t be able to revert back to unmetered charges if the programme has reached your area or we are scheduled to install your meter shortly.
Do I have to have a water meter affinity?
Yes, where this is technically possible. Affinity Water operates in areas the Secretary of State for the Environment has designated as being under serious water stress.
Are domestic water meters compulsory?
Official: DEFRA confirms ‘Smart’ Water Meters are NOT compulsory.
Can I refuse a water meter UK?
The rule simply gives water companies the power to choose to use metering as a way of managing water resources in their area. However, if you refuse, it could put you on its “no access” higher charge which could be as high as £602 a year – so make sure you give it enough thought before rejecting it.
What happens if you don’t pay Thames Water?
We’ll need to start debt recovery action, which could affect your credit rating and lead to court action. The sooner we know what’s happening, the sooner we can find a solution for you. If you’re unable to pay your bill in full, you can split the amount into more manageable instalments – at no extra cost.
Are water meters free?
You have a right to be charged for your water on the basis of what you use. This means you have a right to have a meter installed free of charge, unless it’s not practical or is unreasonably expensive to do this. Tenants also have the right to ask for a meter if their tenancy agreement is for six months or longer .
Can I have a water meter removed?
When you move into a home which already has a water meter fitted, you cannot make a request for it to be removed. In short, the law (The Water Industry Act) does not permit the removal of a meter in these circumstances.
When did water meters become compulsory in new houses?
1990
In 1990 it became compulsory for all new homes to be fitted with a water meter.
What are the disadvantages of having a water meter?
Reasons not to switch to a water meter
- High volume water usage. Obviously if you do use a lot of water then it makes no sense to switch.
- You wouldn’t be paying for leaks.
- Fixed fees mean no surprises.
- You can’t change your mind in the long term.
- It could affect future sale of the property.
Is a water meter compulsory UK?
While in theory meters aren’t compulsory, a water company can insist you have one installed if you fall into one of the following groups: Use an automatic watering device (such as a garden sprinkler) Automatically fill a swimming pool or pond.
Do I need a meter in my Thames Water home?
Although Thames Water claims having a meter installed is compulsory – and it has legal powers to fit one in your household if it so wishes – this does not mean that everyone with Thames Water has one.
Where can I get permission to install a water meter?
Our powers to install meters can also be found in section 162 of the Water Industry Act 1991, which grants permission for water companies to meter domestic premises on a compulsory basis in areas which have been determined by the Secretary of State to be of serious water stress (this includes the Thames Water region). SMART water meters?
Will Thames Water Save you £10 a year?
Although he was originally put on a meter for a trial of around a year in 2018, he was then told he would be going onto the meter after the trial, with Thames Water claiming it would save him £10 a year on his bills. However, he claims that his first bill came then came through last year at double the price.
Are compulsory meters to blame for double water bills?
‘My bills have doubled’: Some customers complain that Thames Water costs rise when compulsory meters are fitted One customer said his bills have increased substantially since having a meter Other households are blaming the devices for their bills doubling Thames Water has made having a meter compulsory due to water shortages