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Published: 30 January 2006

Cheaper Water

The Consumer Council for Water Wales region is offering practical advice to customers finding it difficult to keep pace with rising water bills.

 

The water watchdog is concerned about customers facing ever-higher prices and is advising people to get in touch with their water company to help with easy payment options and budgeting arrangements to suit their particular circumstances.

 

For example some customers may be able to have water charges paid direct from income support and certain other benefits.

 

The helpline numbers are:

·         Dwr Cymru Welsh Water: FREEPHONE 0800 052 0145

·         Dee Valley Water: 01978 833200

 

Diane McCrea, Chair of the Consumer Council for Water Wales, said:

"Customers should look carefully at all the possible options for reducing the size of the bill. Companies will be ready to help them with this."

 

The available options include:

·         Using your right to pay by meter - This can make a big saving for people who use little water. (It is important not to delay consideration of this option as companies can take up to three months to process an application for meter installation)

 

·         Asking about a surface water rebate - There is a £37 rebate for properties where surface water does not drain to a company's sewer. (Here again it is important not to delay as companies will not backdate unclaimed rebates)

 

·         Enquiring about lower charges - Some metered customers who receive certain state benefits or use above-average amounts of water for medical purposes can get special rates.

 

 

Businesses, too, could benefit from simple precautions:

·         regular checks for leakage can help save large amounts of money

·         businesses with bills based on outdated rateable values could make big savings by changing to a metered supply

·         where not all water used is returned to the sewer, businesses could qualify for significant non-return to sewer allowances (Applications should not be delayed as water companies will not backdate unclaimed allowances).

·         businesses using more than 50 megalitres a year can look for a more competitive supplier.

The Consumer Council for water is currently consulting on its draft forward work programme. Consultation ends on 21 February 2006.

 

 

Further information

Welsh Water

 

Dee Valley Water

 

CCWater

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