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Bills on tap: meter winners and losers
The Environment Agency has called for water meters to be installed in virtually all homes in England and Wales. Sophie Hazan reports
WATER meters must be installed in almost all homes or consumers risk shortages due to climate change and population growth.
That was the stark message from the Environment Agency just last week.
Under this approach water bills will rocket in heavy use households that do not cut back; but it will also mean that up to 15 per cent less water is consumed as people try to reduce bills, according to the EA.
The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) criticised the proposal as "over ambitious" and warned that such a scheme would create losers.
Currently the majority of tax payers are charged a flat water rate based on the value of their home.
Metering charges people for the amount of water they use.
Sustainable
A large low income family living in a low value house is in danger of paying much more a month on a meter system that notes every time the tap is turned on.
The idea is to make people more responsible and their actions more sustainable.
The CCW pointed out that a majority of water customers agreed that the fairest billing system charges people on their use, but that they still wanted a choice.
More than one in five said they were opposed to compulsory metering.
In our region Yorkshire Water has no plans to introduce compulsory metering - unless instructed by government.
Customers currently have the choice of having a water meter or paying a fixed rate charge.
A spokesman explained that water was not short and that there had been no restrictions for 13 years despite dry summers.
An ability to take water from different sources such as reservoirs, rivers and boreholes has been the key, he said.
But the Environment Agency wants all water authorities to conserve – even Yorkshire –
with all homes metered and people actively working to reduce their use.
"Each of us uses about a tonne of clean water a week, which costs a huge amount to clean and dispose of and in terms of energy as well this has a big impact on the environment," said Graeme Warren, Environment Agency Yorkshire's strategy manager. "To continue like this is not sustainable. The pressure on water resources isn't getting easier.
"We expect demand to rise by about 5 per cent for clean water up to 2020 and research we have done suggests that by 2050 climate change will probably reduce the amount of water by 10 to 15 per cent.
"The way to combat this is to plan for the future and for water authorities to work together across regional boundaries."
Bernard's all smiles at his clear benefits
BERNARD Gibbs could well be the biggest fan of the lowly water meter.
The 80-year-old who lives in Alwoodley has halved his water bills since having one fitted at his home 12 months ago.
His monthly payments have gone down from 40.60 to 21 – and not at any cost to his lifestyle.
Bernard and wife Betty, also aged 80, continue to use the dishwasher, washing machine and hosepipe as normal.
But then the pair were already environmentally-minded, taking showers rather than baths and being aware not to waste water.
The pair are typical of the people choosing to switch to water meters, according to the Consumer Council for Water, who noted that these were residents who knew they would save.
Normal
Now the Gibbses urge other people to switch to a water meter, and not purely for the financial benefits but to help the environment too.
"We don't say turn it off because we are on the water meter, we still use everything as normal," said Bernard.
"It does make you much more aware of waste though. People should do anything to save money and the environment."
Cutting back on water can also reduce other bills.
It is estimated that about 40 per cent of energy bills go on heating water for washing dishes and clothes, bathing and showering.
Plus having a meter allows you to see whether you have a leak. Domestic customers are entitled to a "leakage allowance", so you do not have to pay for the water lost through a proven leak, according to the Consumer Council for Water.
Saver's dozen: 12 top tips on how to use less water
How to save water
Fix dripping taps
Replace inefficient boilers
Fit aerator nozzles to taps to reduce flow
Wash vegetables in a bowl rather than under a running tap and keep a jug of water in the fridge so you do not have to run the tap until it goes cold
If your toilet predates 2001 try fitting a "hippo" or other displacement device - often available free from your water company
If you buy a new toilet consider a dual flush model, these use about four litres on the lower flush and six on the full flush.
A shower can use less water than a bath but only up to a point. Ideally you should use a normal shower rather than a power shower and only shower for five minutes
Always run the washing machine or a dishwasher with a full load
After washing up by hand, throw the dirty water on the garden
If you are buying new appliances, try to go for those with the best water efficiency rating. White goods are marked on a sliding scale with 'A' being the most efficient and 'G' being the least
Instead of using a sprinkler, leave your lawn to grow a little longer in summer as that helps it conserve its own moisture
Water the garden in the evening to minimise evaporation and install a water butt to gather rainwater
Wash your car using a bucket and sponge rather than a hose as this will save a lot of water
Q&A
How does a meter work?
Most meters use a displacement chamber with a fixed amount of water flowing through it that turns a dial to measure water usage.
Your local water company will visit to take a meter reading and calculate how much to charge. All homes built since 1990 are fitted with water meters. It is estimated about a third of properties have them.
Will I pay more?
It depends on how much water is used in your home.
Large families living in properties with a low rateable value may not save with a meter.
Families that take a lot of baths, do a lot of laundry and wash the car frequently may also be worse off.
In contrast, people who are out at work most days and perhaps shower at the gym, may see their water bill come down with a meter.
How do I get one?
Water companies have to fit a meter if you request one. This is free, although if you want it in a different site to the one they suggest, you may have to pay the difference. The company is also obliged to allow you to switch back to a flat-rate charge if you are not happy with the meter after one year.
How much do I use?
Both the Consumer Council for Water and industry watchdog Ofwat have online calculators that can help you work out how much money you use and how much you will pay on a meter.
Go to www.ccwater.org.uk or www.ofwat.gov.uk/consumerissues/meters
What does it cost?
Shower, up to 40 litres: 9p
Bath, 80 litres: 18p
Watering the garden, 540 litres an hour: 1.19
Flushing the toilet, 9.5 litres: 2p
Dishwasher, 24 litres: 4p
Source: Ofwat 2008
Did you know?
The average Briton uses 148 litres (260 pints) of water a day ;
If the adult population of England turned off the tap while brushing their teeth, we could save enough water to fill 72 Olympic swimming pools;
Washing your car with a hosepipe can use more water than the average family uses in a whole day;
People with a water meter generally use 10 to 15 per cent less water than those without;
The UK is rare among developed countries with most households (seven in 10) unmetered.
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