General Chat

Thanks Ann
Will look into it I think.
There are 3 of us here,but two are out most of the days at work,so little usage in the day time

Well, you've convinced me, Ann!

Now all I have to do is to talk my stubborn husband into a trial run.

I don't know why he's so difficult about this. He was hesitant about changing our buildings insurance but as it was in my name I just went ahead and did it. B*rcl*ys wanted to charge us £27 a month this year. When I told them I was going to leave them they quoted me £21 a month. I was annoyed at this sudden change of tune but went to N*tionw*de who charge me £13 a month for the same cover!


Now, what else can I save money on??? ::)))

I haven't come across anyone yet, who has had a meter fitted and not seen any saving ................

Our water meter bills are twice yearly. I see you can set up direct debit, but you'd need to check with your company whether you can pay monthly. I like that system too with no big bills MO.

We jetwashed our patio and footpaths last year in the costs I have given and that took a few days and a lot of water. But what I like about a water meter is that you can save a bit on the bills if you don't waste as much water. You have a choice!! You can't do that if you haven't got a meter. We use water butts and water from washing up for the garden. You can put a brick in the toilet cistern, change to a water efficient washing machine when you replace it......things like that. You are not paying for water when you are on your hols either!! lol

Have a look here Wildgoose,

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/cut-water-bills

Your water company should be able to calculate your savings on what you have used in the past..........worth asking. I have learned something on there too.......you can check and switch to a cheaper water company!!

We have a loo that does a full or half flush ,no garden to water,just a balcony.So thin kit may be worth doing
Will talk to OH tonight about it
Thanks for all the info on it girls

Will add............if you have a hubby who is obsessed with Jet Washing and watering the garden day and night....DONT DO IT! lol

Annx

Anglian Water £31.70 £477.00 £445.30

Ann; I went to Martin's money saving web site as you suggested and did the U Switch check to see how much we'd save. It isn't very much and I think I underestimated things like how often we flush the loo or washing up water.

The estimate is for saving of only £31.70 a year.

Not as much as I'd hoped :-(

Living in Somerset as a retired couple in a three bedroom property our water rate was over £600 a year ago without a meter. Freinds who live over the county border in Dorset with identical circumstances but the same water company paid a fraction of that figure. This was because of the difference in rateable values between the two counties.

Last year we reluctantly switched to a meter due to the financial costs and our water bill dropped by about 80%. This tends to show that at the moment, unmetered properties are subsidising those with meters.

One wonders when everyone is forced onto a meter, will the cost of metered water rise dramtically to cover the loss of money from those properties that are currently unmetered?

Don't forget, if your roof drainage is connected to soak-aways rather that the main drainage system. You can claim a rebate on your water charges.

Michael

That's a pity Wildgoose. I think a lot of the savings may come about because people don't waste as much with a meter. Still, at least you know now!

P.S. Seems to be 2 of us Anns on here. I used to have the board name Annx till a few months ago, so may change back to that to save confusion.

I might speak with my landlord over this, or at least the letting agent, because they seem to be getting him to pull his finger out over our heating and general maintenance. See if we can persuade him to put meters in for all of us. I just know, with just the two of us, the bill will be cut drastically, but even if its just 10% that's an improvement.

Just going out of the door...but yes when we changed to a meter in Wales it slashed our bill by nearly half!
No difference in water used.

Not been here a full year but works out here so far about £20 a month on meter...

got to dash >>>>>>>>.

OMG I'm paying £42.50 a month direct debit, so that should drop if I can persuade the landlord.

Oh, Lord, Annie G. Don't tell him I started this!

I think I'm going to leave ours 'as is'; the estimate I gave was based on rather a conservative guess on our consumption.

There are quite a few Anns on here Ann! When I work out how to change my name i will.

Ann

Wildgoose,they will often underestimate the possible savings made, rather than land themselves in hot water (no pun intended), for over estimating them.

As you can see lots of people have made big savings by going on a metered supply, not just by the cost of normal consumption being measured, therefore you only pay for what you actually use, rather than what you might use (which in normal billing is grossly OVERestimated..hence their huge profits).

Add to that you will be much more conscious of your own consumption, and will sort that dripping tap out, stop that leaky cistern, place a brick in the cistern and use a little less in the bath, or take showers instead. You will, honest, and it is there the savings are made, leaving more drinking water for all.

Our area was I think the first in the country to apply for and be granted legislation making us all have water meters. These have been phased in, as and when they could fit them.
I certainly agree that it makes one aware of not wasting water, but I still for example final rinse items when washing up and generally use water as before, but have still seen bills reduced.

There's nothing to lose, - and you could gain.


Gwyn

I have a water meter , my monthly payment is £9 and I'm still £35 in credit at the end of the year !

Wildgoose,there are only two of us living in our large house. When we first bought it 6 yrs ago, we decided to have a water meter fitted, I think at that time the rates were about £350 a year.

We now pay £13 a month DD,and I own a pressure washer, and a large garden to water, and have at least one laundry wash a day.

Nina - so that's another one for the 'meter'!

The Jury should be out by teatime. The Judge gets home at 6 LOL

A small saving is better than no saving at all.

I can see where your husband is coming from though. there were some horrendous stories of people being cut off because they couldn't pay the increased metered water supply, but that was either teething troubles when meters were first brought out, or families with three or four children who do use much more water with the extra washing, bathing etc., and also some who did not make any effort to change old habits, dripping taps etc.

Fortunately, because water is such a necessary thing, I think the policy is not to cut off the supply, but to make other arrangements to actually pay the bill off.

But of course, if you make even a small saving, you won't have that problem :-))