Metering

Water meters

A water meter is a device that records the volume of water supplied from the mains network to a property. In the UK, most business premises have a water meter installed at the point where the mains pipe enters the property’s boundary. Business water charges are based on the volume of water consumed, measured in cubic meters. Water suppliers use meter readings to determine your business’s water usage and calculate the charges accordingly. By measuring actual meter reads instead of relying on estimates, businesses can identify areas to minimise waste, cut costs, and enhance sustainability. Accurate metering also supports regulatory compliance and enables early leak detection, helping to prevent water loss and potential damage. For large commercial users, metering is especially valuable, offering detailed insights into consumption patterns that can guide water conservation efforts.

Different types of water meters are used in commercial settings, each suited to specific applications and consumption levels. Choosing the right meter depends on factors such as usage patterns, real-time monitoring needs, and cost considerations. For example, traditional mechanical meters measure water flow using a rotating component. As water moves through the meter, it drives internal mechanical parts that turn a calibrated front dial, accurately recording each cubic meter of water used. Since these are non-smart meters, they require manual readings. While they are reliable and cost-effective, they lack the advanced features of modern meters and may become less accurate over time. On the other hand, smart meters offer real-time data and remote monitoring, enabling businesses to track water consumption instantly and identify issues like leaks or excessive usage without manual readings. Their digital connectivity allows users to access water usage via digital platforms, providing continuous monitoring and valuable insights for informed, data-driven decision-making. AMR, or Automatic Meter Reading, is a technology that automatically collects water consumption data and transmits it to a central database for billing, troubleshooting, and analysis. AMR devices can also read meters remotely, allowing for more efficient data collection. While any business can benefit, those with high water consumption or complex sites, such as hospitality, agriculture and manufacturing companies, gain significant advantages from improved monitoring.

Reading your meter

In order to read your meter, the first step is to locate it. It is typically found outside the property, at the property boundary, where the water supply connects to the local infrastructure. It is often positioned in a small underground chamber near the outside stop valve. It may include a metal or plastic cover in a driveway, garden, or footpath, sometimes further down the road or in a shared pit, so lifting the cover may be necessary to access it. In some cases, water meters are installed indoors, typically on the main water pipe as it enters the property, near the internal stop valve. Larger properties with multiple meters or larger-sized meters often have them installed in a plant room within the building. To ensure you have the correct meter, it is essential to match the serial number on the meter to the one on your bill. If the meter cannot be found, you can contact your business water supplier, who may be able to check the central water market database and find the meter installation locations.

The next step is to understand how to read and interpret your water meter. Most meters feature a digital or analogue display showing the total water usage in cubic meters (m³), and some may also display flow rates or other metrics. To take a reading, record the figures shown on the meter and submit them to your water supplier, along with the reading date. Once data is collected regularly, you can analyse usage patterns to identify opportunities for improved efficiency. By tracking meter readings over time, you can spot consumption trends, detect leaks, and assess the effectiveness of water-saving initiatives. Data from your water meters can drive your water management strategy and help you make informed decisions.

Suppliers use meter readings to calculate your invoice, ensuring that your business only pays for the water it uses. Regulations mandate that retailers take meter readings at least twice a year, which is standard practice. Your bill reflects charges based on the cubic meters (m³) of water used, calculated from the two most recent readings or a combination of an actual reading and an estimate. Access to the meter is essential for obtaining accurate meter reads. While retailers can typically take readings quickly, restricted access or location-specific challenges may result in additional costs. To avoid these charges, ensure your meter is accessible by maintaining a clear area around it, and conduct regular checks to ensure the meter remains in a condition suitable for reading.

To help improve the accuracy of your water invoice, you can submit your own readings via email or online forms. The Water Retail Company offers an online submission option on this website, where you’ll need to provide your meter reading, meter serial number, account number (all found on your bill), and the company details. Therefore, in addition to your business water supplier taking a meter reading once or twice a year, we recommend submitting readings more frequently, as regular monthly meter readings help ensure accurate billing and prevent overcharges.