Meter Reading

In order for us to calculate your bill, we may need to read your meter. For our business customers, with large water consumption, we may consider providing a more frequent meter reading service. Call 0845 877 0030 if you think you are eligible for this.

If we are unable to read the meter because we cannot gain access or you do not reply to our request for a reading, we will estimate your consumption for the respective period and calculate your bill based on this estimate.

If we send you an estimated bill but you prefer to be billed on an actual reading, you can arrange for a suitable time for us to visit and read your meter. You can call us on 0845 877 0030 to arrange an appointment. We aim to schedule an appointment within 10 days of your request.

Alternatively, you can read the meter yourself and let us know the actual consumption by telephoning our meter reading message line on 0845 877 0030. You can also submit a meter reading online if you have registered for online services. To register for this service just call 0845 8770030 and we can send you your logon details to your existing billing address This meter reading will also be used to calculate the charges for the disposal and treatment of your wastewater. A new bill will be issued to you based on the reading you provide.
 
How to read your meter.
 We recommend you keep a check on the amount of water you are using by taking regular meter readings. This way you will be able to find out early if there is a leak on your underground pipework – the reading will suddenly increase. Keeping an eye on how much water you are using will also help you budget for paying your bill.

To take a reading, first locate your meter. External meters are usually located inside a metal or plastic box at the boundary of your property. If you are a new meter customer you will be shown where it is and how to open it when it is fitted, and your customer welcome pack will also describe where it is situated.

If the meter is in a box, open the lid to access the meter.  Inside you will see a foam or polystyrene disc. This protects your meter from frost, so please remember to replace this disc before you close the lid again. You may need a torch to help you read the meter, as it will be some way below ground. You may also need to clean soil or water from the box. The presence of water in the meter box does not necessarily mean there is a leak; it may be rainwater accumulated in the ground. If the glass on top of the meter is cloudy with condensation, tapping gently on the glass with a blunt tool will normally clear the droplets.

water MeterTo take a meter reading you only need to take the black digits on the meter dial which show cubic metres of water used – please ignore the red numbers which show decimal fractions of a cubic metre, as we only charge on the full cubic metres used. The red figures can be useful when checking for leaks.  

If you have opened the lid, it is important that, once you finish reading the meter, the lid is properly closed so that the meter is protected from any damage.

We suggest that you read the meter on the same day each month and keep a record of the readings. This will help you spot any wastage or leakage and carry out repairs quickly. 

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