Shared water supply.

[sasskins]

I have been told that I can't have a water meter fitted because I share a water supply with the lady in the maisonette above. I know that she would also like a WM.
Is it possible to separate the supply?

[The Builder]

Technically no problem at all Sass. It just depends on how helpful the Water Co. want to be.
The supply could be split in the pavement and a new service pipe run to the other property. They would then be disconnected from yours.
The Co. might insist on a whole new supply being brought in from the road. That would be a cost to be shared between the two of you.
They're open to discussion. Talk to their tech. people. :o)

[Dodger666]

I don't see why not.

We have two water supplies to our house. One comes up in the kitchen and the other in what used to be an outside toilet before an extension was built. We had a water meter fitted to each incoming supply in 2003. Assuming you've both got a separate stopcock in your homes it should be possible. Even if you haven't it should be possible to fit a stopcock and water meter in each property if you have an accessible separate supply pipe.

You can always appeal to the Water Regulator.

Failing that you can ask to be given an assessed charge. Read this page:-

http://www.ofwat.gov....eholdcharges/assessed

[sasskins]

Thanks so much Builder. The supply is in my back garden though - shouldn't make a difference should it?

[The Builder]

I shouldn't think so, Sass. The Water Co will probably want to put the meters off your property, on public ground . It's not always possible though, so there'll have to be an agreement with them as to where they go.

[marden40]

I'm sure there's no reason why you cant have the water meter inside your property, and the lady above you have her own inside her property......where ever the supply enters your home is where the meter is fitted, (where your stop cock is) many houses here in the Yorkshire water region have these meters, and all new ones are also Automated Meters. These are fitted with a built in transmitter that sends the reading to the company when on the road outside your property - this means they no longer have to disturb you to take a reading. I would talk to your supplier about your options
I'm sure other regions are the same as Yorkshire.

[gingejbee]

It may well be possible - but any extra pipework involved to facilitate the work would probably be chargeable, although the meter itself is free.
Even if they were to say "not possible", you should then ask to be charged on "assessed usage" - this will be a lot less than your present bills if you live alone.

[sasskins]

Thanks for every reply. I have emailed United Utilities asking for a 'call back' - apparently I can't ring them direct.