Water meters explained The benefits How it works Water efficiency
How will I benefit? We meet four different households to see how a water meter could affect their bills 1 Two parents, four children The Modha family have four children and will not necessarily see a reduction in their bills, but as they are environmentally conscious, they can utilise the water-saving devices and tips we offer. By taking some simple steps to reduce their water usage, they can keep their bills consistent. 2 Retired couple, children have left home Susan and Mike live in the home where they have brought up their three children, who have now left home. They have a large house with more rooms than people, and also have a large, well-maintained garden. A water meter could save them money and they could also use water butts in the garden. 3 Single parent, two children Mark lives in a two-bedroom house with his two daughters. He is conscious of saving water to save money and would like a water meter fitted so that he only pays for what they use. Mark would also like to access a social tariff scheme and needs to have a water meter fitted to be eligible. 4 Young professional couple Rebecca and James rent a three-bedroom house with a small decked garden. They would potentially benefit from having a water meter fitted and should look into the free water-saving devices available to further reduce their water consumption and directly affect their bills. Still not sure if a meter is for you? Call us on 0345 600 3600 to discuss your options or visit our website
How it works... 1 You apply directly to us You have recently moved into a new property Submit your online application. We let you know we are looking to fit a meter at your property. Do you qualify for a tariff? If you are finding it difficult to pay your bill we might be able to help. Please visit our website or call 0845 600 3600 for more information 2 On-site assessment 3 If needed, we will arrange to visit and conduct an on-site assessment. We may be able to fit the meter at this point without you needing to be present. 4 Although most meter fitting is straightforward, we may need to do a few checks to successfully install the meter we will arrange an appointment. 5 6 If there is a problem If we are unable to fit your meter, we will contact you to make further arrangements. Meter fitting 3 8 Meter readings Once your meter is fitted, we will aim to take a reading every six months. You can also read your meter and submit a reading online. 6 Changed your mind? If you are not happy with having a metered supply, we will switch you back to your original method of billing free of charge, providing you have had your meter for two years or less.
Water efficiency We offer free water efficiency products to all customers 13% 13% of people exceed 10 minutes for their daily shower Cutting just a minute off your shower time could save 15 in energy bills and a further 15 in water bills if water is metered (per person per year) 12 litres Toothy Timer can save up to 12 litres every time your child brushes by encouraging them to turn off the tap Save water, save money! We offer a range of free water-efficiency devices. When used effectively, these can help you use less water and potentially save money. For a full list of items available, please visit www.savewatersavemoney.co.uk These are available to all households whether you have a water meter, or just would like to use water wisely around your home. www.savewatersavemoney.co.uk/bristol 15
Your rights under the meter option scheme Moving back to your previous method of billing You may choose to change back to paying on an unmetered basis provided you let us know before you have been billed for two years on the metered charge unless one of the conditions below applies. You will not be able to change back to an unmetered bill if: There is a change of occupier or the principal use of the property is no longer a home You use something other than a handheld device for watering your garden for example, a sprinkler You have automatic systems to fill up a swimming pool, pond or lake with a capacity of over 10,000 litres Customer advisory notice over mains water supplied hot water heaters/ combination boilers When water is heated, it expands (referred to as expanded water) and this is usually accommodated by the installation of an expansion vessel and associated fittings. However, certain types of hot water heaters and combination boilers rely on the mains water supply pipe to accommodate the expanded water, rather than an expansion vessel. The installation of a new boundary stop tap box or internal stop tap may stop this from happening as they incorporate check valves (non-return valves). We will not accept liability for any problem with your heating system or plumbing which may arise following the installation of a new boundary stop tap box or internal stop tap (unless it is because of faulty workmanship on our part). If you have any doubt about the effect that a new boundary stop tap box or internal stop tap may have on your heating system or plumbing then we advise you to consult a competent heating or plumbing engineer. Customer advisory notice about electrical earthing In 1966 the law changed preventing incoming water pipes from being used to earth properties. Fitting a water meter to your supply may mean that this method of earthing will no longer work. You should contact a qualified electrician for advice if you are in any doubt how your property is earthed. Any work required to be done will have to be paid for by you and you may want to consider this when deciding on whether to have a meter fitted.
Bristol Water Meter option scheme ApplicAtion form If you would like to apply to have a meter, please complete this form and return to the address given at the end of this form. Alternatively, you can complete an application form online at: www.bristolwater.co.uk/meterrequest Customer account no. (shown on your bill)... Title... First name... Last name... Address...... Postcode... Telephone no. (incl. code *essential)... Email... Address of property to be metered (if different from above)...... Postcode... Are you or your company the owner of the property to be metered? Yes No If no, have you informed the owner that you wish to have a meter fitted? Yes No (if no, please do so before applying) Is there an externally located stop tap controlling water to the property? Yes No Don t know Type of property Please tick relevant box below Type of stop tap Please tick relevant box below House / Bungalow Detached Semi-detached Terraced Flat / Maisonette Office Location of stop tap (if known) Domestic and Business Garden Front Back Side Other Non-household (please state) Driveway... Public footpath Number of people living in property Number of bedrooms at property Please state how many... Please state how many... Would you consider your water usage to be: Do you share a water supply with your neighbour? Low Medium High Yes No Don t know Any other relevant information (ie. restricted access / specialist support requirement)... Declaration. I have read the information relating to opting for a meter and understand and accept that I am applying for a meter in accordance with the 1991 Water Industry Act. Signature... Date... Please send this completed form to: Meter Options Team, Bristol Water plc, 1 Clevedon Walk, Nailsea, Bristol. BS48 1WA