Water supply - metered or not?

Water supply - metered or not?

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davhill

Original Poster:

5,263 posts

185 months

Wednesday 11th January 2017
quotequote all
Evenin' all,

I'm unsure whether or not this should go in the Business forum but I expect a mod will relocate it if necessary.

In spring, I'm starting off a new business, using the ground floor of my Lake District home as a holiday let.

The incoming fresh water is currently metered and this has saved me some dosh over the last two years' living alone.

I have to make a decision about whether to retain the meter or revert to an unmetred supply. I have to let the provider know by March and this is a one-off thing, regardless of my decision.

A similar business I had two miles away was occpied for 205 nights in 2015 - it was a mixed year and before the Brexit fuss, the lettings were more consistently more numerous.

The business will be open year round and the maximum possible occupancy will be four adults, plus one infant and any pets.The downstairs accommodation has both a shower and a washing machine. I will be living upstairs, alone most of the time.

The question then is which way to jump? It's a difficult thing to forecast but I have the feeling unmetred may be the better option.

By the way, I've tried joining Matin Lewis's money saving web site but it isn't letting me in.

Any thoughts, people? Thanks.





davhill

Original Poster:

5,263 posts

185 months

Wednesday 11th January 2017
quotequote all
Some good points there, thank you.

I just checked with United Utilites and the figures work out this way

The current metered water supply is costing £21.11 per month.

Unmetered would cost £43.83 per month, which is £525.95 for the year.

It obviously all depends on occupancy. However, even a couple staying will mean triple the present demand. I also have to account for the amount of water consumed by the laundry I do at each changeover.

No brainer? Looks that way to me.


davhill

Original Poster:

5,263 posts

185 months

Friday 13th January 2017
quotequote all
All sorted!

I decided to have a water meter fitted when I started living alone in March 2015. From then, I had two years to decide whether to keep the meter or go back to unmetered.

Given the modest use of water, by one person and an insane cat, my bill dwindled to less than half. So far so good.

However, the new business means a greater usage that will be variable. If the premises does well as a holiday let, the bills could be substantial.

Using the sage advice of you good folk, I've done the deed - my water supply will revert to unmetered on 5th March 2017.

I didn't want to start adding provisos to the Ts & Cs. Securing bookings can be a ticklish business, especially at the beginning. My having run a similar business two miles away, for six years, will certainly help.

Incidentally, the meter will remain in its littlle hole in the ground outside. Whoever winds up with the house in the fullness of time will be lumbered with it.

Thanks to all who contributed.