SHOULD YOU SWITCH TO A WATER METER?

UNLIKE with gas and electricity, you cannot move to a cheaper water provider — you are stuck with the firm that supplies your area.

However, you could save cash by switching to a water meter.

With a meter, you pay only for what you use, instead of being charged a flat rate by the water company that is roughly based on the size and value of your property.

If you have more bedrooms than people living in a house, or live alone, this could mean you’d pay less with a meter.

They are not for everyone, though. For example, if you have a large family, it’s unlikely that you’ll benefit. It’s worth keeping this in mind if you’re thinking about selling up.

To work out whether you can save, try the Consumer Council For Water’s calculator at ccwater. org. uk/ watermeter calculator.

You can also speak to your supplier, who will be able to calculate any possible savings for you. If you later discover that your bills rise, you have 24 months to ask for your water meter to be taken out again.

Some providers are rolling out meters on a mandatory basis in water stressed areas such as the South East.

For example, Thames Water is telling families they must have a digital meter. These can see exactly how much water you use and when you use it.