News
Compulsory Metering
Change of occupier
The Water Industry Act 1991 (as amended by the Water Industry Act 1999), in particular section 144B, Sub-section 2 (b) of that Act (link) enables us to meter a property on a change of occupier.
We will survey first to see if we are able to fit a water meter at the boundary of the property.
If we are unable to meter at the boundary of the property and you wish to have a meter fitted, you will be able to request an optional meter (link Optional Meter request form).
If we are unable to meter at the boundary of the property and you do not wish to apply for a water meter we will set your bill record up using our unmetered tariff.
Our metering policy for sprinklers
and swimming pools
We require customers using sprinklers or with swimming pools to have a meter. Garden sprinklers can use as much water in an hour as a family of four does in two days. That's why we believe it's right for customers who choose to use sprinklers (or any automatic garden watering device) to pay for the extra water that they use. The same applies to customers with swimming pools, because of the amount of water need to fill or refill them.
Questions and Answers.
Can I refuse to have a meter fitted?
Who is responsible for the meter?
Should I read the meter and how would I do it?
Can I refuse to have a meter fitted?
In the main, no. Water companies are under constant pressure from the Environment Agency and Ofwat to promote the efficient use of water and metering is an excellent way of doing this. The 1999 Water Act laid down very clear rules as to when we can and can't fit meters, therefore if we propose to fit one it will be because the Law states that we are within our rights. If you feel that there is a very strong case as to why one should not be fitted please write to us and we will consider your circumstance, but we cannot guarantee that this will stop the installation.
Who is responsible for the meter?
We are responsible for maintaining or replacing the meter unless you damage or misuse it. In this case, you may have to pay for any repair.
Do we notify the sewerage company that a meter has been fitted and are the sewerage charges affected ?
Once a meter is installed, we will inform the relevant sewerage company that a meter has been fitted. We will also send the meter readings to them and they will use these to assess their charges. Normally this will be 95% of the recorded water consumption. This is based on the assumption that 5% of your water will be used to water your garden etc: - and will therefore not return to the sewer. If you think this rate does not reflect your personal use, we advise you to contact your sewerage company and ask for a non-return to sewer form. For Wessex Water customers, the telephone number is 0845 6002600 and for Southern Water customers, the telephone number is 0845 2720845.
How much might I use?
Please be aware that individual water usage can vary considerably. From experience we have found that on average, domestic water use is about 60 cubic metres per person per year. This figure however must be treated as an approximation. Some households may be well above this figure, while others may be well below.
The main factors affecting use are the number of people in the house, the number of automatic washing appliances, the number of baths and showers taken each week and garden watering.
To enable you to have some idea of what you might use please use the calculator here.
For further information please call our Customer Services department on 01202 590059. Alternatively, you may e-mail us at customerservice@bwhwater.co.uk.
Should I read the meter and how would I do it?
The meter is the property of this company. However, we are happy for you to read the meter if you can, but please take care when raising the cover. We will endeavour to read your meter twice a year, but there may be times when we are unable to, in which case we will send you an estimated bill. In these circumstances or if you are moving house, you may wish to read the meter yourself and email it to us using the form below. We will then be able to send you a bill based on your actual consumption.
To read the meter you will first have to remove the cover to the meter box.
Most of our small meter chambers can be accessed by inserting a flat headed screwdriver into the recess on the edge of the cover and leaver upwards, however some are of a 'screw top' version that require a special tool which we are happy to provide free of charge. If you are not sure of the type of meter chamber outside your property please contact us and we will provide further advice.
Once you have opened it, the black figures represent cubic metres and the register face of the meter usually looks like this:
Depending on the size and make of the meter there can be between 4 and 6 black digits, we will need all the black digits from the meter.
Click here for the "Advise us of your meter reading" form.
Important Information
Please note that if the meter is in the highway there are likely to be hazards from passing traffic or walkers. If the meter is in the road we recommend that you do not attempt to remove the cover or read the meter. If it is in a footpath or verge it is important that you do not interfere with the legitimate use of the area and that the cover is securely replaced so as to be safe for others. Please note we cannot accept any responsibility for any damage or injury caused as a result of you reading your meter. If you have any doubts about this you should contact us.
When will the meter be read?
Under normal circumstances your meter will be read at six monthly intervals. The readings will be used to calculate the charges due for each six months and you should receive your bill in the post shortly after the meter reader has visited your property. If for any reason it proves impossible to read the meter or the meter stops recording, you will receive a bill with an estimated consumption either based on a similar period in a previous year, or one based upon the best information available at the time.
