<h1 class="op_sm_page" style="text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px black;">
Moving to metering</h1>
no-repeat;left top;;
auto

<p class="op_sm_page white_lead_text" style="text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px black;"> You could save money on your water and energy bills with a water meter.</p>
no-repeat;left top;;
auto
0px

<h3 class="op_sm_page blue">Metering will help ensure our community has plentiful water now and in the future.</h3>

<p class="op_sm_page">Water meters help to save water, keep track of what you use, and spot leaks early. By switching everyone to a meter, we can work together to protect rivers, wildlife, and secure water supplies for the future.</p>
no-repeat;left top;;
auto

<div class="image-box">
    <img src="https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Pay-for-what-you-use.jpg">
</div>
<div class="content">
      <h3 >Pay for what you use</h3>
         <p>Water meters are the fairest way to pay, as your bill is based on the amount of water you use.</p>
[button title="Water calculator" link="https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/water-calculator/" target="_blank" align="center" icon="" icon_position="" color="#e96429" font_color="#ffffff" size="2" full_width="" class="" download="" rel=""]

</div>
no-repeat;left top;;
auto
op-sw-pages-col

<div class="image-box">
    <img src="https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Track-your-water-use.jpg">
</div>
<div class="content">
      <h3 >Track your water use</h3>
         <p>Access your meter readings online or within your bill to get a clearer understanding of your water usage.</p>
</div>
no-repeat;left top;;
auto
op-sw-pages-col

<div class="image-box">
    <img src="https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Find-leaks-faster.jpg">
</div>
<div class="content">
      <h3 >Find leaks faster</h3>
         <p>Water meters help us to spot leaks on our network so we can fix them quicker.</p>
</div>
no-repeat;left top;;
auto
op-sw-pages-col

<div class="image-box">
    <img src="https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Save-money.jpg">
</div>
<div class="content">
      <h3 >Save money</h3>
         <p>You could save on your wastewater and energy costs from heating less water.</p>
</div>
no-repeat;left top;;
auto
op-sw-pages-col

<h3 class="op_sm_page blue" style="text-align:center">How much could your household save?</h3>
<p style="text-align:center">For every £1 saved on your water supply you could save more across other utilities.</p>
no-repeat;left top;;
auto
0px

<img src="https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/1.png" alt="£1"/>
large
800
center

<div class="op-low-bill">
        <h3 class="op_sm_page blue">Our Lowest Bill Promise</h3>
        <p>If we've let you know you're moving to metering, we're providing a Lowest Bill Promise to give you peace of mind.</p>
        <p>For the first 12 months with a meter, we’ll automatically charge you whichever is lower; the charges with or without a meter.</p>
        <div class="op-low-bill-list">
            <p>[icon type="icon-check" color="#e96429"] Your bills may change with a meter compared to your current charges.</p>
            <p>[icon type="icon-check" color="#e96429"] Your future bills will be every six months, based on how much water you use.</p>
            <p>[icon type="icon-check" color="#e96429"] You’ll see a comparison in each bill during this period to keep you informed.</p>
            <p>[icon type="icon-check" color="#e96429"] If your metered charge is higher, we'll work with you to help keep your water bill as low as possible.</p>
            <p>[icon type="icon-check" color="#e96429"] Your wastewater company, usually Southern Water, will also base your wastewater bills on your meter readings.</p>
            <p>[icon type="icon-check" color="#e96429"] If you pay by Direct Debit or have a payment plan, your schedule will continue as normal.</p>
        </div>
    </div>
no-repeat;left top;;
auto
op-sw-pages-col op-low-bill

<h3 class="op_sm_page blue">Getting a smart water meter?</h3>
<p>We’re installing smart meters in some areas. If you’re getting one, here’s everything you need to know.</p>
no-repeat;left top;;
auto
0px

Learn more about smart water meters
<a href="https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/savewater/smartwatermeters/">https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/savewater/smartwatermeters/</a>
center
left
#014b96
#ffffff
2

Use our water calculator to estimate your average use and costs
<a href="https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/water-calculator">https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/water-calculator</a>
center
left
#e96429
#ffffff
4

<div class="content">
      <h3 >We are here to support your switch to a meter</h3>

<p>You may be eligible for a lower tariff depending on your circumstances. If you receive benefits AND have a dependant/a medical condition OR you have a household income under £21,000 you may be eligible for capped water bills at a lower cost. </p>

[button title="Check how we could help you with bills" link="https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/customer-services/help-with-my-bills/" target="_blank" align="center" icon="" icon_position="" color="#e96429" font_color="#ffffff" size="2" full_width="" class="" download="" rel=""]

</div>
no-repeat;left top;;
auto
op-sw-pages-col

<div class="content">
<h3 >Helpful resources to help save water</h3>
<p><a href="https://waterwise.org.uk/how-to-save-water/" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Waterwise-Logo-1.png" style="width:200px" /></a><br/><a href="https://waterwise.org.uk/how-to-save-water/" target="_blank">Top tips on how to save water</a> from WaterWise</p>

<p><a href="https://www.ccw.org.uk/save-money-and-water/refresh-your-routine/" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ccwlogo.svg" style="width:150px" /></a></br><a href="https://www.ccw.org.uk/save-money-and-water/refresh-your-routine/" target="_blank">Feel-good changes to save water and our planet</a> from the Consumer Council for Water</p>

<p><a href="https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/environment/saving-water/" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/getwaterfit.png"  /></a><br/><a href="https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/environment/saving-water/" target="_blank">Free water-saving devices</a> from our partnership with GetWaterFit</p>

</div>
center
no-repeat;left top;;
auto
op-sw-pages-col

<h2 class="op_sm_page blue">Frequently asked questions</h2>
<h3 class="op_sm_page blue">General information</h3>
[op_accordion]
[op_accordion_item title="Do I have to have a meter?"]

<p>Yes. It’s up to all of us to protect our water and we know that water meters are key to helping us to do this.</p>

<p>We have a legal obligation to manage the water supply in our region as set out by our regulator. To protect our precious water, we need to make it much easier to find leaks and faults. We also have a responsibility to help our customers and our communities become more water efficient and aware of water use in the home.</p>

[/op_accordion_item]
[op_accordion_item title="Can I read the water meter?"]

<p>Yes, you may be able to but if you have difficulty in reading the meter, or if the lid for the meter is too heavy to lift, we can arrange to read the meter and advise you of the reading. Please  <a href="https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/contact-us/">contact us by email or phone</a> if this is of interest to you. </p>
<ul>
<li>Find the meter in a box with the stoptap, usually in the pavement or property driveway.</li>
<li>Open the cover carefully with the tip of a screwdriver. </li>
<li>The number display is similar to gas or electricity meters. </li>
<li>The black digits record the consumption in cubic metres. </li>
<li>Read from left to right to obtain the current reading. You should ignore any red figures.</li>
</ul>

<p>Watch a video to find out how to read the water meter.</p>
[video_embed video="jV52zV3ddtE" parameters="" mp4="" ogv="" placeholder="" html5_parameters="" width="700" height="400"]

[/op_accordion_item]
[op_accordion_item title="Where can I find my water use?"]

<p>The simplest way to access your meter reads to understand your water use is through your <a href="https://myaccount.portsmouthwater.co.uk/">online account</a>. Go to ‘usage’ where you’ll find details of your water consumption in litres. </p>

[/op_accordion_item]
[op_accordion_item title="Can I save money with a water meter?"]

<p>Many customers find that metering helps them save water and money overall. We’ll keep in touch with you to help you do the same and support you throughout your switch to metering. With a meter you will:</p>
<ul>
<li>Only pay for what you use</li>
<li>For every £1 you save on your water supply, you could cut up to £5.05 in total including wastewater and energy bills</li>
<li>Know how much water you're using every six months through your bill or your <a href="https://myaccount.portsmouthwater.co.uk/">online account</a></li>
<li>Help save water to protect our local water sources and wildlife.</li>
</ul>

<p>Get an idea of how much water you’re using and if you could save with our water calculator.</p>


[/op_accordion_item]
[op_accordion_item title="What if I have a leak?"]

<p>If you already know you have a leak, we encourage you to get this fixed as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary charges and wasting water. If you need to contact a plumber, check our list of <a href="https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/customer-services/help-for-leaks-pressure-and-pipes">Water Safe approved plumbers</a>. We also have different support and policies that might be helpful if you’re concerned about leaks. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/customer-services/help-for-leaks-pressure-and-pipes/">Find out more about leaks, pipework and pressure</a>.</p>

[/op_accordion_item]
[op_accordion_item title="When will I get a smart water meter?"]

<p>We’re installing smart water meters based on a carefully designed plan. This plan makes sure we cover our area in the most economical way and consider things like high leakage areas and population density. We’ll let you know when we’re in your area to fit smart water meters.</p>

[/op_accordion_item]
[/op_accordion]

<h3 class="op_sm_page blue">Lowest Bill Promise</h3>
[op_accordion]
[op_accordion_item title="Who is eligible for the Lowest Bill Promise?"]

<p>If we’re switching you to metered billing because there is already a meter at your property, or you’re getting a meter for the first time, you’ll be eligible for the Lowest Bill Promise. </p>
<p>If you are on a WaterSure or Helping Hand social tariff, you already pay the lowest charge. </p>

[/op_accordion_item]
[op_accordion_item title="When does the Lowest Bill Promise end?"]
<p>If you’re protected by our Lowest Bill Promise, this will end 12 months after you receive the final closing bill from us. We’ll keep in touch with you over the 12-month Lowest Bill Promise period, so you know when to expect to change to metered billing.  </p>

[/op_accordion_item]
[op_accordion_item title="How will I know if I’m being charged the lower rate?"]
<p>On your first and second metered bill during the Lowest Bill Promise 12-month period, we’ll show you two charges - with or without a meter. You'll be charged whichever is lower and the other charge is there so you can compare the costs. </p>

[/op_accordion_item]
[op_accordion_item title="Can I opt-out of the Lowest Bill Promise?"]

<p>If you want to start paying your metered charges straight away, we may be able to help. Please let us know by emailing savewater@portsmouthwater.co.uk.</p>

[/op_accordion_item]
[op_accordion_item title="Does the Lowest Bill Promise change my payment plan or Direct Debit?"]

<p>Currently we send you an annual bill and you have various options available as to how you can pay. With metered billing, we will send you a bill every six months when we have read the water meter, and you have the same payment options available to you.</p>
<p>If you pay by Direct Debit or have a payment plan, your current payments won't increase while you're protected by the Lowest Bill Promise.</p>

[/op_accordion_item]
[op_accordion_item title="I don’t think I use much water. Am I paying more on a social tariff than on a meter?"]

<p>It’s unlikely that you would be paying more on a social tariff. However, you can request a meter reading or read the meter yourself if this is possible to help estimate your costs. Another way to estimate your costs is using our <a href="/water-calculator">water calculator</a>. </p>
<p>If you have questions about what you’re paying, please contact us on 023 9249 9666. </p>

[/op_accordion_item]
[op_accordion_item title="What happens after the 12-month Lowest Bill Promise period ends?"]

<p>After the Lowest Bill Promise period ends, we’ll start charging you based on your meter readings in the way that you’ve chosen to be billed. </p>

[/op_accordion_item]

[/op_accordion]
<h3 class="op_sm_page blue">Billing</h3>
[op_accordion]
[op_accordion_item title="Does Portsmouth Water share my meter reading with my wastewater company in the Lowest Bill Promise period?"]

<p>Yes. When we read the meter every 6 months, we then pass these readings to your wastewater company. They will normally base their charges for wastewater on 92.5% of the consumption recorded by the meter.</p>

[/op_accordion_item]

[/op_accordion]
<h3 class="op_sm_page blue">Support</h3>
[op_accordion]
[op_accordion_item title="I’m a Priority Services customer and rely on an increased water consumption. Will my bills remain affordable?"]

<p>Our priority is supporting all our customers throughout any changes. We’ll work with you to keep your water bill as low as possible.  If you aren’t already on a WaterSure or Helping Hand tariff which caps your bills, you may be eligible. <a href="https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/customer-services/help-with-my-bills/">Find out how we can help with bills.</a></p>
<p>If you’re worried about your bill we’ll do everything we can to support you. Please contact us at savewater@portsmouthwater.co.uk or call us on 023 9249 9666.</p>

[/op_accordion_item]
[op_accordion_item title="Who do I contact to talk about the meter or metered bill?"]

<p>We’re here to support you in the switch to metering. You can contact our friendly team at savewater@portsmouthwater.co.uk or call us on 023 9249 9666. </p>

[/op_accordion_item]
[op_accordion_item title="What support is available if I struggle to pay my bills after switching to a meter?"]

<p>We’re here to support you whenever you need it and we will work with you to ensure your water bills remain affordable. If you have difficulties paying, please don't delay in contacting us. We can agree a repayment amount that is affordable for you.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/customer-services/help-with-my-bills/">Explore our support options</a> or contact us on 023 9249 9666.</p>

[/op_accordion_item]
[/op_accordion]
no-repeat;left top;;
auto

