Water Meter

[doddsredoubt]

My next door neighbour moved next to us just over 5 years ago and the water company put in a water meter without him signing anything,he wants to know if this is legal without his permission or signature????

Thankyou for any help.

[hc4361]

If he is in England or Wales he had no choice. The law requires water meters be installed where possible when a house is newly built or sold.

[craft1948]

I didn't have to have one installed when I moved 5 years ago......

[Old_Geezer]

I guess if he didn't tell them what was wanted, they have the incentive to install them anyway, as default.

[craft1948]

But how did they gain access to the property?

[craft1948]

oh okay trim...........my meter (which I requested) is under the kitchen sink.

[doddsredoubt]

Thankyou hc4361,Old_Geezer and craft1948,they had a stop cock outside there property.

Thanyou much appreciated.

[andy-hughes]

Although he may object in principle, he may be pleased with the result.

We moved from a three-bed to a four-bed house four years ago, the former had no meter, the latter does, and our water bills are cheaper, so we are prefectly happy to be on a meter.

[scotman]

It is also the case that as more meters are fitted to domestic premises it will be easier for water companies to detect leaks underground.

[chas2008]

although its fitted it doesnt mean the bills are based on it, a friend of mine applied for one recently to be told one had been fitted 3 years ago!! he had no idea..
more often than not they are outside the property boundary. ie the pavement so they dont need access to fit them.

[scotman]

Following from Chas^

In Scotland new water meters(in housing estates or industrial areas) usually are fitted as close to the main as possible to reduce the opportunities for by-passing them and so that they can be read without entering any premises.

[starone]

I applied for a water meter. It is outside in the footpath and I occasionally notice someone going there to read it. I am so glad I had one fitted. It has halved my bill. I am more aware of wastage too which presumably helps the ecology.