If you have a meter you will pay for the water and wastewater services based on the amount you use, in much the same way as you pay for electricity and gas. The meter will show how much water has been used in cubic metres. The cubic meters are displayed on the meter as black/white dials. For billing purposes, we ignore the red/white dials. One cubic metre of water equals 1,000 litres or 220 gallons.
We will normally read the meter every six months; if your water meter is inside you must give us reasonable access to read the meter. We may need to change the meter at some point in the future if it breaks or stops working, so we will also need access to the pipework either side of the meter. If we have not been able read the meter, we will leave a card advising you what to do next.
We will send you a bill once every six months. This bill is for water you have already used. The date you receive your bill depends on when we read the meter; so your first 'metered' bill could arrive at any time up to six months from the meter being fitted. If we have been unable to get either our own reading or a reading from you, we will send you an estimated bill.
How can I pay my bills?
We offer a range of flexible ways for you to pay your bills. You can pay by Direct Debit, cash or cheque. Some customers prefer to pay each bill as it arrives, but most prefer to spread the cost over a year by choosing a budget payment scheme. We estimate how much water you will use in a year and divide the total into regular monthly payments (the most popular way to pay is by Direct Debit). The following year we will adjust the amount you pay (up or down) based on how much water you are actually using.
Can I pay by Direct Debit ?
Yes. Direct Debit takes the hassle out of paying your water bill and you can also save £5 on your annual charges. You can arrange to pay by Direct Debit at the same time that you apply for a meter.
I currently pay by Direct Debit. Do I have to fill in another form?
No. We will continue with your arrangement unless you tell us otherwise.
What happens to my 'old' bill after the meter has been fitted?
Regardless of how you currently pay, please make sure you keep paying your normal water payments until we fit the meter.
Once the meter has been fitted, we will finalise your 'old' bill and if we owe you any money we will reduce your first metered bill by this amount. This will show as a credit balance. If you owe us money on your 'old' bill we will send you an account for the outstanding balance.