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All about water meters

Water meters are an easy way to lower your bill. Find out if a water meter can save you money, apply online for one, and, if you already a meter, we'll show you how to find and read it. 

Is a water meter right for you?

A water meter could save you an average of £264 a year and reduce your water use by up to 20%. Plus, saving water helps protect our local environment. 

 

Use our water usage calculator to find out if a water meter could save you money.

Helping you with your water meter

If you'd like independent advice to find out if a water meter is right for you, The Consumer Council for Water (CC Water) has a free water meter calculator, that tells you if you can save money with a meter.

Useful information

There are many ways you'll save:

  • You'll become more aware of your usage, and the less you use, the less you pay. 
  • You'll also use less energy because 25% of your energy bill comes from heating water. That means you'll save money on your energy bills too.
  • You'll get personalised water saving tips.
There are many reasons to switch:

  • You pay for the water you use, rather than the Rateable Value of your home.
  • Get it for free*.
  • Only pay for the water you use. It puts you in control of your water bill. 
  • Receive a six monthly bill instead of a yearly bill. 
  • You'll be covered by a switchback guarantee - if a water meter isn't right for you, we'll switch you back.
  • View your usage in your online account and see how it compares to similar households.
  • They help reduce leakage and predict water demand, so we can make sure we always have enough great-tasting water flowing into your home.

 

*To find out if there could be a charge, read step 3 on applying for a water meter

 

If your tenancy agreement is for over six months, you can apply for a water meter online. You don't need your landlord's permission.

 

Try our online usage calculator to see if you could save money with a meter.

 

If your agreement is for less than six months, you need your landlord's permission to apply. Download our landlord permission form (PDF, 150KB) and email it to webbill@nwl.co.uk -

 

Please include your name, address and account number, if you know it, so we can process your application quickly.

We've received the feedback from our customers:

A Haley 


Our water bill is £18 monthly, we don't skimp on usage, although we shower rather than fill the bath. We use a fair amount of water in the garden in summer too. Definitely better with a meter. 

 

S Coffey 


I’m down to £16 on a meter. Two of us are in the house. Moved to a meter about 8 years ago. Couldn’t recommend it more. The website is very easy to use, giving you the information you need. 

 

M Brown 


I am single and save a huge amount. My bill has halved, at the very least...fantastic.

Sorry, but if your property already has a water meter, you can't remove it.

 
Moving an internal water meter, on the other hand, may be possible.
 
We must agree that you can move the meter, and we'll carry out a free survey to make sure your pipework allows for the meter to be moved. Charges may be payable, if any work is carried out.
 
You can then hire an approved WaterSafe plumber (opens new window) to carry out the work.
 
Please be aware that if your meter supplies more than one property, there may be charges to move that meter. 
 
We can discuss charges with you at any point through this process, so you know exactly what is going on.

Water meter terms and conditions

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