I expect that “where to go next” will be you getting a demand to pay the full bill as all other possible reasons have now been eliminated. If you are to stand any chance to argue that you did not in fact actually use that amount of water, you will need very detailed accounts of water usage as has been suggested above (recorded reading every 30 mins, water ‘event’ during the last 30 mins e.g. 5 min shower, dish washer on, etc. and your estimate of what water should have been used in that period.) Otherwise, you just need to accept that you are indeed using that amount of water. That will be the position of the water board, I am sure, and they will expect the bill to be paid or will turn off your water.
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They cannot disconnect a domestic water supply in the UK for non-payment and have not been able to do so for roughly 27 years.
They will, as previously noted, prosecute for the lot unless you pay in full or have a prior agreeement re: reasonable usage. As the OP has consistently declined to measure actual usage the choices are limited to pay in full or be prosecuted.
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My understanding is that utility companies are no longer legally able to disconnect customers.
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It’s a long time since I lived in the UK, so I didn’t know that. However, I am certain that the utility company has much more experience than you do in fighting these kind of battles. Good luck!
Not true, I have made daily readings which the engineer noted today. At no point has ST asked me to do anything else. If they ask me to provide specific data then I will do so if practical. Otherwise the ball is in their court. I haven’t declined to do anything requested by them.
I’m not overly surprised at your results today. Detailed investigation is needed as we have all suggested. I’m still not sure why you don’t want to go down this route, surely much easier than relying on them to find out the issue, which after 3 engineers (or is it 4) they have failed to do.
Apologies. What you now need to do is to use that to calculate what your actual use is and then you have an the option to agree with them what reasonable usage looks like and pay a lower amount based on that agreed figure until the matter is resolved.
Everyone here would like to see you getting lower water bills, but if I play devil’s advocate for a moment (ST), then they would claim that with your cooperation, they have proved that, as there are no meter problems, no leaks, no air intake, no running cisterns, then it is clear that you are indeed using the amount of water you are being billed for, and must pay accordingly. What they will do next is to pursue the collection of the outstanding amount: Which will not be fun, whether you have right on your side or not.
It’s a bit like someone who can’t fathom why their credit card bills are so high – they don’t understand where all the money is going; they are certain they spend less than their friends, must be a mistake at the bank, etc. But a financial advisor would probably tell them first to keep a detailed account of every cent spent, and then they will be amazed at where it all went in fact. Perhaps you really are using a lot of water?
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No but they can put in a tricky feed, basically it will take about an hour to fill the sink lol.
They have to leave you water by law but as said dont expect to get much out the tap if they do fit a trickle feed restriction to it and they can certainly do that by law as you get just that on every new supply until you set it up correctly and register it.
Again, not been able to do any of that legally in the UK since 1991. I know one company who tried it in the late 1990s in GM. They never tried it again. Can’t do it with new accounts or arrears.
Got an email from Anglian Water today saying that they are going to fit a smart water meter. I didn’t know that such things existed. I have smart meters for gas & electricity but they are not underground, like the existing water meter is.
The email says that they are new meter will send hourly readings ‘so we can let you know if we think you have a leak at home.’
What could possibly go wrong?
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This is the sensible way to, why are you (the OP) reluctant to do this ?
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Brilliant idea maybe they can do this for @70sPete.
He’s not at this stage yet and he doesn’t need to worry about that right now.
It could be that something untowards is going on.
I doubt it. My suspicion is that biĺls have gone up and the bill is correct.
Bills are very high as stated above by me. It is what it is. Maybe…
As noted above, he doesn’t need to worry about it at all. No idea where @Dunc is working but both actions have been illegal in the UK since 1991.
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I stand corrected its just on new supplies. They take you to court instead to get the money.
But it does seem from todays visit you have indeed used said amount of water.
Smart water meters are a thing, we have had them for some time in Northamptonshire and if you have a keak they know and send you a letter telling you all about it. I get phone calls about this every month.
We have an AW smart meter, fitted last year but not activated till this year.
Shows daily usage in the app. Works well, don’t have to pray on the pavement anymore.
Have had one for a few years…….we use a lot of water…….it will give you more data.
70sPete
This thread title contains the word ‘help!’. So many folks have taken the time to offer help and the suggestions have narrowed down to: accurately monitor your hourly water useage to try and identify any anomaly of your appliances; and be sure to pay your bill. Both pieces of advice roundly ignored. I’m afraid to conclude that you are presently beyond ‘help!’. Nevertheless, I wish you well and hope you will at some point reconsider your actions; and certainly before this escalates into a full blown dispute with your water provider.
Peter
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