Thames Water confirms whether water bills are reduced after hosepipe ban

Some parts of the country are facing water restrictions after experiencing long periods of extreme heat. Watering gardens or filling up paddling pools using a hosepipe is currently banned unless you are exempt.

Thames Water confirmed that it will not be reducing customer bills as a result of introducing a hosepipe ban. “Unmetered customers don’t have charges that relate to the use of hosepipes.

“So, there are no charges made in respect of prohibited uses that would reasonably need to be reduced. This is in line with the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and section 76(6) of the Water Industry Act 1991.

“Metered customers pay for the water that they use. As a hosepipe won’t have been used during restrictions, no charges will have been applied. No charge reductions would be applicable to metered customers.”

Anglian Water also confirmed that customers without a meter “won’t see a change to their charges”. However, “If you’re on a water meter, using less water could reduce your bill because you’ll only pay for the water you use”.

People in England and Wales either pay their water bill based on a fixed rate or on the basis of the amount of water they actually use, measured with a water meter. Those who don’t have a water meter pay an unmeasured charge, which won’t be reduced because of the hosepipe ban.

Citizens’ Advice explained that the unmeasured charge “is often made up of a standing charge and a charge that varies”. The water bills are based on a property’s flat rate charge, assessed Volume Charge and rateable value of the property.

“Some water companies will charge a flat rate for everyone, wherever they live and whatever property they live in.

“Assessed Volume Charge is usually based on the size and type of the property or the number of occupants. It can sometimes be offered instead of a meter, if you’ve asked for one and it’s not possible to fit one at your property.”