Could YOU save hundreds of pounds with a water meter?
Complaints to water companies rose by 40,000 in the past year - but a water meter could help you slash the cost of your bill
DISGRUNTLED customers made more than two million complaints to water companies last year.
New figures from the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) revealed that the number of people who had to pick up the phone to resolve an issue rocketed by more than 40,000 to 2.14 million.
The vast majority of written complaints - 57 per cent - were about billing and charges, followed by water supplies (17 per cent) and sewerage problems (12 per cent).
The watchdog said it is especially concerned with the performance of Cambridge Water which reported the largest rise in written complaints - up by nearly 250 per cent - and saw a rise in in the number of customers making calls to them by 37 per cent.
The company has been asked to report back to the watchdog by the end of October to explain what steps it is taking to improve its service.
Overall complaints made in writing fell by 11 per cent to 95,274.
BILL WARNING - Martin Lewis warns households to switch energy providers ahead of winter bill rises
In February it was announced bills across the country would be going up by an average of 2 per cent.
Tony Smith, chief exec of Consumer Council for Water, said: "The service customers receive from their water company has generally improved over the past decade, but that progress appears to have stalled.
"Water companies received more than two million contacts from customers last year to resolve issues which they should get right first time.
"We’ll be challenging all of the industry to deliver an even better service, but particularly the poorest performers.”
Water UK, which represents the water companies, said: "The many improvements made by water companies is making a difference, with written complaints falling below 100,000 for the first time and a significant fall in the number of issues having to be dealt with over the phone since 2010."
How can I switch water companies?
You CAN'T.
Unlike gas and electricity suppliers, you can't switch suppliers if you're fed-up with the level of service you're getting.
This is because the water companies are responsible for the customers in each areas of the country.
How much can I save on my water bills?
There are two ways you can be charged for your water and switching to a water meter could help you slash your bill - potentially by hundreds of pounds.
Around half of homes now have a meter installed.
How much you could save depends on a number of factors including:
- How much water you use
- The number of people living in the property
- How much you are currently paying
A rough rule to remember is if there are more or the same number of bedrooms in your house than people then think about getting a meter.
The water companies in England and Wales are obliged to install a meter in your home for free if you want one.
In Scotland, you'll have to pay for installation.
To work out if one will be right for your home and save you money, contact your water company.
It should be able to give you an accurate idea of whether or not you could save by having one installed.
The CCWater also has an you can use to get a rough idea of any potential savings you can make.
I've had a meter installed so why am I not saving any money?
A meter isn't for everyone.
If you're in an un-metered home, your water bill is based on the rateable value of your property - the amount of water you use is irrelevant - so if you use a lot of water, you won't see a saving.
According to regulator Ofwat, larger families may be worse off with a meter, while those who live alone are likely to see the benefit.
And if you are unhappy with the savings - customers will have at least 12 months to decide to switch back to un-metered billing.
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