HOUSEHOLDS across Yorkshire are being offered a longer trial period to test whether a water meter could save them money – a move which has received strong support from the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater).

The water watchdog has welcomed the decision by Yorkshire Water to give its customers two years to try out a water meter and switch back for free if they decide it’s not for them.1

The company had previously offered customers a one-year trial period but has extended this, following negotiations with CCWater.

Andy White, Senior Policy Manager at the Consumer Council for Water, said:

Giving customers a longer trial period is a great way to encourage more households to take the plunge and try a meter.

Water meters won’t benefit everyone but in some cases people can save more than £100 a year. Even a much smaller saving could make all the difference to the one in eight customers who tell us their water bill is unaffordable.

Clare Dunlop, Water Resources Manager at Yorkshire Water, said:

Many customers are already low water users and can save money on their water bills by switching to a metered water supply. Water meters are also an incentive for customers to try and use even less water through simple changes in behaviour. We offer a free water-saving pack that provides devices and advice to help our customers reduce their daily consumption and they can also save on their energy bills by reducing hot water use.

Almost half of households across Yorkshire Water’s supply region are currently charged for their water using a meter.

As a general rule of thumb you are more likely to save money with a meter if you have more bedrooms than people living in your property. But an even better way to check if you might save is to join the thousands of people who use CCWater’s water meter calculator every month at www.ccwater.org.uk

Customers interested in trialling a water meter should contact Yorkshire Water. Read more here opens in new window.

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For more information or to arrange an interview call the CCWater media team on 0121 345 1005.

1 The same occupier who requested a meter is allowed to switch back to unmeasured charges for free within two years. But the water meter is not removed from the property and metered charges would apply to all future occupiers.