Reduce your water bill

Whether you live alone in a flat or share a house, you can start saving serious money with a water meter. It’s cost- and hassle free – your water company will install it at no charge – and you could significantly cut your annual bill.

Why install?

There are two reasons why you should consider installing a water meter where you live: environmental and financial.

Environmental

As you’re probably aware, tap water comes from either beneath the ground or from the UK’s rivers. Although the North-West as a region has high rainfall, the rain does not necessarily fall where we can use it. As we’re abstracting more water as the regional population rises, this will have an adverse effect on the levels and habitats of rivers and lakes.

Financial

This is simple: with a meter, you’re only charged for the water you use – in the same way as for your gas and electricity. Find out if you could be better off on a meter by using our online calculator.

Environmental + Financial = Perfect Sense

Installing a water meter won’t cost you anything, but will make you more aware of how much water you use – and therefore save you money. According to the Environment Agency, metering saves between 5% and 15% on total water use. And people with water meters are more likely to have an idea of their consumption than those without.

When to install

Under the rates system, the amount you pay for water is based on the rateable value of your home. These rates also include a standing charge to cover customer services, such as billing. You may therefore pay more – or less – than the amount of water you actually use. Bear in mind that in general, water meters will raise your awareness about usage – and therefore contribute to greater water efficiency.

How to get a meter

All water meter installations are free – due to Government legislation. So, provided it’s neither impracticable nor uneconomic, companies must fit a meter within 3 months of your application. The only delay to this may be if you request a date well in advance. To apply for the United Utilities Free Meter Option scheme, please visit our website, or call us free on 0845 303 7744.

So make a difference – save water and save money by calling United Utilities today. Once you have your meter, you can then save even more money with our water-saving products.

If you are not a United Utilities customer, please contact your local water company for details of their metering schemes. For contact details of water companies in England and Wales, visit the OFWAT website.