As households across the region look for smarter ways to manage money and reduce their environmental impact, installing a water meter is a simple step to take.
Bristol 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 90% 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 around 70% of Bristol 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.
.jpg?width=1075&height=604&name=Shower%20Water%20-%20Multi%20Promo%20(2).jpg)
What if a water meter doesn’t save money?
Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol 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 if no further work is required.
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 Bristol Water will offer the option to have an Assessed Charge instead, which is calculated based on the number of people in a household.
Adam Hobbs, Head of Network Distribution at Bristol Water, said: “We’re pleased to be offering our Lowest Bill Guarantee to Bristol Water customers as it gives them flexibility and helps put them back in control of their bills and usage, which is particularly important at a time where many households are already under pressure.
“It’s great to see so many customers embracing a metered bill and we hope to see many more applications and installations over the coming years.”
For more information, Water Meters
