Visit from the Water people

[User482]

That's interesting. I've been dithering about a meter after stories put me off. I did the estimator tools and it didn't look like it would be worth it (2 bed terraced house, worth about 130k, 2 people working during most of the day)

I'd be surprised if you didn't make a saving: our house is a fairly low rateable value (so our fixed bills were lower than average), we had to use the washing machine lots for the babies' clothes & nappies, plus daily baths for them.

 

[User482]

[QUOTE 4585007, member: 9609"]Do you know how many cubic meters you use and are you keen gardeners ?[/QUOTE]

No and yes. Though we did fit two water butts to take care of most of the garden watering.

 

[Spinney]

[QUOTE 4585043, member: 9609"]Indeed it is, but does that artificial choice extend to water in England and Wales ? Do you have a choice of water suppliers no matter how artificial that choice may be ?[/QUOTE]
I think it is coming next year - I had a letter checking whether it was a domestic or business property, as United Utilities where making sure their records were straight for when we can choose who to pay for water.

 

[BrumJim]

It is a pretty artificial sort of choice though.

Not really. You are paying your supplier to buy electricity from the generator. Its just that there is one delivery company, and the product is so comoditised that it doesn't matter if you get someone else's electons, just as long as you paid for the same number as you used.

 

[nickyboy]

Not really. You are paying your supplier to buy electricity from the generator. Its just that there is one delivery company, and the product is so comoditised that it doesn't matter if you get someone else's electons, just as long as you paid for the same number as you used.

But as electrons are negatively charged and thus flow in the opposite direction to the current aren't we actually paying to send electrons to the generating company?

 

[User482]

According to Ofwat households don't have a choice, but some businesses and large water users do. After April 2017 the rules will change a bit, but not for most ordinary householders, and more organisations will be able to apply for a licence to become a supplier.

That's correct, but when I looked into it for my employer, there was no financial reason to change supplier. I don't see much evidence of competition in the market place.

 

[Profpointy]

The dual flush thing makes some sense, but "aerating" the water out of the tap ? Surely if you need a litre of water in your kettle then that's what you need. How is filling the kettle up with, what, air, going to help?
Ditto a shower head - if you wanted less water coming out, don't turn the tap on as much.

 

[nickyboy]

Don't they mostly shuffle back and forth?

I think you're cross posting with the "Best thing about retirement" thread

 

[User482]

The dual flush thing makes some sense, but "aerating" the water out of the tap ? Surely if you need a litre of water in your kettle then that's what you need. How is filling the kettle up with, what, air, going to help?
Ditto a shower head - if you wanted less water coming out, don't turn the tap on as much.

Aerated taps or showerheads make it feel like there's more water coming out than there actually is. So there is an advantage for hand washing or showering.

 

[Profpointy]

Aerated taps or showerheads make it feel like there's more water coming out than there actually is. So there is an advantage for hand washing or showering.

Fair enough then I guess. I was cynically assuming the "improved" shower head would just have less holes in it so you'd get save water by getting a feeble shower.

 

[User482]

Fair enough then I guess. I was cynically assuming the "improved" shower head would just have less holes in it so you'd get save water by getting a feeble shower.

The simplest devices are actually that - they reduce the flow so you have a weaker shower. The aerated devices are a bit smarter but can be noisy.

 

[slowmotion]

Family of four here: we still pay less on a meter than we did on rates. That's despite using cloth nappies for both kids.

We're a family of three adults and were wondering if it would be worth getting metered water. I plumbed a pulse output water meter into the supply pipe and connected it to a data logger for a couple of months. If we went for a water meter, we would be paying 30% more for our water and sewerage. We are not particularly large users either.

 

[BrumJim]

Don't they mostly shuffle back and forth?

Yes, but over time, generally moving in one direction. A bit like trying to get my son out of the front door in the morning.

 

[BrumJim]

But as electrons are negatively charged and thus flow in the opposite direction to the current aren't we actually paying to send electrons to the generating company?

In reality we are getting electrons from the generating company, and sending them back used. The ultimate recycling unless you stick your fingers in the socket and redirect them to your property, unless you are on a leasehold.

 

[User482]

We're a family of three adults and were wondering if it would be worth getting metered water. I plumbed a pulse output water meter into the supply pipe and connected it to a data logger for a couple of months. If we went for a water meter, we would be paying 30% more for our water and sewerage. We are not particularly large users either.

I just did a quick bit of research: in comparison with my supplier (Bristol Water for supply, Wessex Water for sewerage) it seems Thames Water charge less for unmetered and more for metered. Which is really stupid.