Guides › Energy and Water Bills › Getting a Free Water Meter
Getting a Free Water Meter
Water companies install meters for free. If you have one fitted and it does not save you money, you can usually switch back to unmetered charges within two years (not in compulsory metering areas in England). If a meter cannot be fitted, the company may offer an assessed charge, which could cost less.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Water Meters
The Rules
Water companies install meters for free. You can switch back to the unmetered charge within two years, except in compulsory metering areas of England. If a meter cannot be fitted, the company may offer an "assessed charge", which could cost less than your current bill. CCW's water meter calculator can show whether a meter would save you money. source
Complaints
Tell the Water Company First
For water, start by telling your water company what is wrong and giving it a chance to fix it. If it does not reply within 10 working days, you may be due a payment under the Guaranteed Standards Scheme. source
Consumer Council for Water
You can take your complaint to the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), which is free, once you have a final response (written or spoken) or eight weeks have passed since you first complained. Include evidence such as emails, bills or call notes. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 2 yearsSwitch back to unmetered chargesNot in compulsory metering areas in England
- 8 weeksWater complaint to the Consumer Council for WaterAfter a final response, or 8 weeks from your first complaint
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Use CCW's water meter calculator to see whether a meter could save you money.
Step 2 of 5
Ask your water company to fit a meter.
Step 3 of 5
If it says it cannot, ask about an assessed charge.
Step 4 of 5
Compare bills after a year.
Step 5 of 5
If you are unhappy with how it is handled, complain, then go to the Consumer Council for Water.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Your Water Company's Complaints Team
Always start here, in writing, then ask for a review if needed.
Consumer Council for Water
After a final response, or 8 weeks after your first complaint.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
A meter is free to fit, and the two-year switch-back means you can try one with little risk.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- ccw.org.uk/faq/should-i-get-a-water-meter-fitted Checked 13 October 2026
- ccw.org.uk/advice-and-support/make-a-complaint Checked 12 October 2026