Water Meter?

[joshwa]

Hello.

Has anyone switched over to a water meter and saved money?

Thanks

Josh

[stytagm]

No but we're switching over in a couple of week, so I'll let you know how we get on.

My Missus found an online water usage estimator that predicts whether you'll save money or not. We don't have a garden, always use the shower (not power) and don't have a dish washer, so I think we should save quite a bit. I'll try and find the link this evening.

[UltraMagnus]

quite frankly i cant see how anyone could save money with one of those infernal contraptions....

not to mention i have moral objections to them.....

[joshwa]

I object to the water company deciding randomly how much we should pay for water (And randomly deciding it wants to charge us more each year). There are 2 of us in the house, yet next door might have 5 people in the house and therefore use 2.5x as much water, yet pay the same for it?

[autopilot]

Well i agree and dissagree with you both, in a way, if that helps at all

Actually, our bills went up a bit. Which was nice. But then i do have a massive garden and veg patch to take care of.

[neonplanet40]

steal your neighbours water when you get it put in

[stytagm]

Hi Guys, it turns out the water use calculator was on Uswitch, just follow the links from their front page.

Joshwa, we were thinking along pretty much the same lines, two people in a flat and we pay the same as the Detached house with garden, 2.4 children and Dog down the road. No doubt if we ever end up with the 2.4 children and dog ourselves we might well think very differently.

[Kimo]

Originally Posted by joshwa

I object to the water company deciding randomly how much we should pay for water (And randomly deciding it wants to charge us more each year).

But surely they will still charge you what they feel like, regardless of what you use they could compensate it by putting the price up. Unless it became compulsory for water meters I cannot see how they will really benefit anyone, since you would surely only agree to have one if you thought you would save money, though I suppose it makes you stick to it and start being tight with water

[Funkstar]

I've been meaning to find out if water meters are available up here is scotland. i have no idea if they are or not.

I'm sure i'd be able to save money compaired to a standing change. There is only me in the flat, i don't water a garden (not that you need to in Aberdeen), can't be bothered washing my car (thats what MOTs and services are for ) and i'm only there for the equivelant of 6 months a year. I'm sure i should get more than the normal 25% single occupancy discount i get at the momtent.

[beanbandit]

Originally Posted by joshwa

Hello.

Has anyone switched over to a water meter and saved money?

Thanks

Josh

In 2 words. Yes, Yes.

When i moved into my current property 8 years ago i was paying £36 per month for unmetered supply. Asked for a meter to be fitted. Monthly bill went down to £20 (set by water supplier to see how much i used in the first year) its now at £23 for 2 people sharing.

[rox0r]

Pretty much the same figures as beanbandit. Don't know why I didn't do it before.

It's pretty much common sense though. If you use loads of water, like two or three baths a day in a household, garden watering, washing every day, pots twice a day and all that wotnot then no you probably won't save anything.

On the other hand if you live alone, shower once a day and don't go mad with washing then you'll save a packet.

[Howard]

I think I'm actually genuinely stupid. I read it as "water melter" and was about to reply wtih something along the lines of "How can you melt water?" And then I read it again.

[herbert_goon]

As an example, just left a 3 bed terrace near Sutton, surrey which was £250 per year water charges - new house in Purley, 4 beds £130 last year as it's on a meter :-)

It's only if you wash your car every weekend or run a sprinkler that you will feel it.

Good Luck!

[neonplanet40]

We dont pay for water over here. I think its morally wrong anyway. As water should not have to be payed for.

[joshwa]

I think that water being more expensive than electricity or gas is rediculous. We use heaps of electricity, yet hardly use water, but water is still more expensive that gas, and around the same price as electricity!

[beanbandit]

Originally Posted by joshwa

I object to the water company deciding randomly how much we should pay for water (And randomly deciding it wants to charge us more each year). There are 2 of us in the house, yet next door might have 5 people in the house and therefore use 2.5x as much water, yet pay the same for it?

It doesn't randomly set out your water cost, its based on the old ratable value of your property. These rates have been abolished but the water companies are entitled to use the values from 31st March 1990 to work out your bill.

Originally Posted by joshwa

I think that water being more expensive than electricity or gas is rediculous. We use heaps of electricity, yet hardly use water, but water is still more expensive that gas, and around the same price as electricity!

Water isn't expensive. Most of your water bill is taken up by sewage charge. If you look at your local water suppliers website it will show you how the costs are broken down