As households across South West look for smarter ways to manage money and reduce their environmental impact, installing a water meter is a simple step to take.
South West Water is encouraging its customers to find out how a free water meter can help them better understand the water they use, cut unnecessary waste and save money.
The water company can offer expert advice, free installation and billing support for those eligible and its helpful team can install meters inside or outside the home, depending on property type and location.
What is a water meter and how can it help save money?
Water meters measure the volume of water being used by a household and charge them based on this, which means customers only pay for the water they use, giving them more control over their bills.
Around 95% of customers see their bills reduce after changing to a metered bill as they become more aware of their usage and can see the benefits of applying water-saving tips to their daily routines.
Other benefits include faster identification of leaks, access to a range of affordability tariffs and a selection of free-water saving devices.
Water meters, currently used by over 83% of South West Water customers, help to identify leaks because they measure all the water flowing into a property. If the meter is monitored when water supply is not in use, customers can quickly see if there’s a hidden leak in the system.
What if a water meter doesn’t save money?
South West Water’s Lowest Bill Guarantee ensures a customer will not pay more on a meter than they did on their previous unmeasured charges for the first two years. This allows customers time to adjust to measured charges and adapt their water usage habits.
On the rare occasion where a customer bill increases after having a meter installed, the bill-payer has two years to switch back to their old unmetered charges.
What type of support can South West Water offer to customers hoping to get a meter?
It’s good to remember that water meters aren’t just for homeowners – tenants with a contract for six months or more can also be considered.
To find out if you can have a water meter installed, visit the South West Water website or give its customer service team a call.
If customers are eligible, installation is free and typically takes place within a few months of application.
Who isn’t eligible?
Sometimes, because of the location or layout of the pipework at a property, a meter cannot be fitted – but in these circumstances South West Water will offer the option to have an Assessed Charge instead, which is calculated based on the number of people in a household.
John King, Customer Project Manager, said: “Water meters help put customers back in control of their usage and bills which is particularly important at a time where many households are already under pressure.
“Our Lowest Bill Guarantee gives customers reassurance that their bills won’t increase when they make the switch and continue to work hard to make sure our customers save money on their bills where possible through our range of affordability tariffs and free water saving devices.”
For more information, Water meters | South West Water