What are the benefits of metering?
How will universal metering affect me?
When will it happen?
Where will the meters be fitted?
How will I be charged?
What do I need to do?
Can I request a meter before the programme reaches my area?
How can I start saving water now?
What are the benefits of metering?
- It is a fairer way to pay – customers only pay for what they use
- Customers are in control of their water use so can reduce their bills
- They reduce demand for water – customers with a water meter use on average 10 per cent less water
- By reducing water usage you can reduce the amount of energy used to heat water, which means lower energy bills
- It helps the environment – less water needs to be taken from rivers and underground sources
- They help reduce leakage – its easier to identify leaks on water pipes
- Less water being used means less energy needed in the water and wastewater treatment process and a reduction in CO2 emissions
The installation of meters across the region will reduce demand to the extent that it would take until 2035 to return to today’s levels, even allowing for growth in the region and its additional demand on resources.
How will universal metering affect me?
With a water meter you only pay for what you use. It is a much fairer system and allows you to have control over your water bill by managing your water usage.
Many customers make significant financial savings by having a water meter fitted. They are also reducing their carbon footprint by reducing their water usage and the amount of energy they use to heat water.
Our customers will not be charged for the installation of the meter.
From April 2010, no customers will be able to revert back after having a meter fitted.
The metering programme will begin in 2010 and will start in the Southampton, Horsham district and Medway areas. Approximately 60,000 meters will be installed in the first year. The programme will then roll out across the region with 500,000 meters being installed by 2015.
Meter installations will be programmed on a street by street basis linked to post codes. We will programme all types of installations within the one location to avoid return visits.
The working time will depend on the number of properties, the location, the traffic and other working conditions, and where possible we will co-ordinate our works with other works being completed by the Highway Authorities and other utility companies. However, we will consult with residents and installation will be carried out in the most cost effective way to return efficiencies to customers.
We will manage the meter installation programme and liaise with customers in advance of the work and at appropriate times during the process. We may need customers to help by agreeing and keeping appointments with our customer advisors and meter installation team and providing access to their property and pipework.
Where will the meters be fitted?
Where possible we will fit meters under the pavement outside the property at the location of the external stop tap. Many properties already have a boundary box where the meter will be installed. If this is not possible, the meter will be fitted at an alternative, suitable location such as inside the customer’s house at the location of the internal stop tap.
The meter measures the volume of water passing through the pipe into the household. This is measured in cubic metres (one cubic metre = 1,000 litres of water) and bills are calculated on the amount of cubic metres used.
Customers are also charged for the water returned to the sewerage system, which is then treated and recycled back to the environment. We work out bills on the basis that only 92.5 per cent of water goes into the sewers because some is used in the garden or evaporates.
Nothing. Southern Water will contact all customers affected by universal metering ahead of the installation programme. At that point we will provide you with more information about the scheme, timescales, how you will be charged and plenty of water efficiency advice.
Can I request a meter before the programme reaches my area?
Yes, unmetered customers can apply at any time under our free meter option. However, it should be noted that after April 2010, customers who are metered will be unable to revert back to unmeasured charges.
How can I start saving water now?
There are lots of ways to start saving water now, such as:
• Have a short shower - a bath uses 80 litres of water while a five minute shower uses about 30 litres
• Fix leaking taps – a drip from a leaky tap can waste up to a bathful of water per day
• About 30 per cent of water is flushed down the toilet – fit a save a flush bag to reduce the amount used for flushing
• Turn off the tap when brushing teeth – it can waste up to 10 litres of water
• When boiling the kettle, only boil what you need to help save water and energy
• A hose uses around 90 litres of water in just 10 minutes – use a bucket and sponge to wash you car
• Fit a water butt – plants prefer rain water
• Keep cool drinking water in a bottle in the fridge rather than running the tap cold
• Replace white goods with energy efficient models – check with manufacturers before you buy
Find out more about how you can save water from Mr Save-It
