Frequently asked questions

How can I get a water meter?

Just ask your water company. All water companies install water meters free of charge, and must do so within three months of receiving your request. However, it may not be possible to install a water meter if you share a mains water supply; for example, if you live in a house that has been converted into flats. Ask your water company for more information.

How do we know that water meters encourage people to use less water?

We know from several studies that households with meters use on average, between 10 and 15 percent less water than households without meters. Meters help people to be aware of how much water they are using and provide an incentive to save water.

If we all need to save water, shouldn't it be up to water companies to fix leaks first?

Everyone has responsibility for saving water. People should play their part by saving water where they can, and water companies must play their part by continuing to tackle leaks. It takes time, money and expertise to find leaks and fix pipes, so it's a long-term issue.

Why can't we build more reservoirs?

Reservoirs are part of the solution, but they take a long time to plan and build and must be combined with more efficient use of water. A number of new reservoirs are planned for after 2020 in southern England, but most of the water we use in the south-east comes from natural underground stores, which reservoirs cannot replace.

What about desalination plants?

Water companies assess many different options to work out which is the most sustainable, cost-effective solution to maintain the balance between supplying water and the demand for water. Desalination (taking salt out of seawater) is just one of those options. Desalination plants are expensive to build and run and there is a high environmental cost as they use a lot of power and produce a lot of sludge waste. In some cases though, desalination may be the most sustainable, cost-effective solution.

Won't water companies just raise their water charges if people on meters try to save money by using less water?

Ofwat, the economic regulator for the water industry, limits the amount that water companies can charge their customers. Also, if people use less water, water companies don't necessarily lose money as it costs them less to supply the water.

Aren't water meters unfair on large families and people on low incomes?

Metering is the fairest way to pay for water because people pay for what they use - just like with electricity and gas. If you are on income-related benefits and have three or more children, you can apply to have your water bill capped - but only if you have a water meter. Ask your water company for more information.