What you get from your smart water meter
Already, more than 450,000 homes across the region have a smart water meter. And over the next few years, we expect more and more people will want one once they know the benefits!
What our customers think about smart metering
Debbie tells us about her experience
Matt tells us about his experience
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A smart water meter is installed either inside your home or outside where your supply pipe meets our network, depending on what’s most suitable. It measures how much water flows through your pipes every hour and, when network coverage is available, sends us your latest readings several times a day—so there’s no need for you to submit them or wait for a visit.
As we’re getting regular updates on your home’s water use, you can keep track of everything. And if there is a problem at home like a leak, we’ll know about it much more quickly, before lots of water gets wasted.
If the meter reading changes but you’ve not used your water, this could indicate there is a leak inside your property. Click here for a guide to checking for leaks using your meter.
Yes it can. Your smart water meter gives us data on your water use, almost in real time. And of course we share that data back with you, together with hints and tips to help you reduce water usage.
If your water bill is metered or measured, when you use less water you’ll see your bills reduce. And at the same time, you can save money on your energy bills. Lots of the gas or electricity we currently use at home goes to heating up water. So by using less water you could cut more of your regular costs.
We won’t force you to change how you’re billed—but we do believe that measured billing is the fairest way to pay, as it’s based on the water you actually use.
If you’ve never had a water meter before, your Severn Trent bill is likely what we call ‘non-measured’. That means it’s based on your home’s rateable value, not your actual usage.
Many customers find that switching to a metered (or ‘measured’) bill helps them save money. For example, a family of four just turning off the tap while brushing their teeth could save around £100 a year.
We’re currently running trials to automatically move some customers onto a measured bill, where it’s suitable. This helps ensure everyone pays a fair amount for the water they use.
Want to start saving today?
Inside your home
If you request to have a meter installed for the first time, or your existing meter is inside, we’ll arrange an appointment that works for you. We will need someone to be home for the appointment. Watch our video to find out about what happens during your appointment.
Outside your home
If we’ve contacted you to install or upgrade a meter that is outside (in a driveway or the street) you won’t need to be in, but we will need to briefly switch off your water while we carry out the work. Watch our video to find out about what happens during installation.
To find out how to move the position of your smart water meter, click here.
Finding your stop tap
You may want to find your stop tap for many reasons, one of which is to identify where your smart meter will be installed. Watch our video to find out how to find and operate your stop tap.
Meet our partners, Network Plus
Our friends at Network Plus are installing meters on our behalf and can help you every step of the way.
It’s absolutely safe. Your smart water meter sends us readings using about one-twelfth the power of a mobile phone transmission. And it sends for just three seconds at a time, up to four times a day.
No, you won’t. You’ll be able to log in and see your water use at any time through your online Severn Trent account.
Whether you’ve got a meter or not, if you’re finding it difficult to pay, we can help you. Whether it’s one of our discount schemes or something simple like spreading your bill over the year at no extra cost, you can talk to us.
Whatever your situation, if you’re worried about being able to pay your bill, get in touch today.
Your smart water meter takes a reading every hour, and you will be able to see your usage the following day. The only information we get is the identity of the meter and the water reading. It doesn’t send us any personal information about you or your household. As you’d expect, we treat all data carefully in line with our Privacy Policy.
We believe everyone should have control over their water and their bill. So, if you’re renting and you pay the water bill yourself, we’d be happy to fit a meter for you if your tenancy is longer than six months and you have permission from your landlord.
We always think it's a good idea to give your landlord a heads-up, as it is their property. However, if your tenancy is shorter than six months, we’ll need to see written confirmation from your landlord before we go ahead and install.
If your landlord isn’t keen on having a water meter installed, it’s worth knowing that, if you’re the one paying the water bill, you do have the right to request one.
That said, since the property belongs to your landlord, it’s understandable they might be cautious about making changes. We always need confirmation that you have permission from your landlord before we go ahead with the installation.
If you’re having problems with your landlord refusing or trying to stop you, you can also get free support and advice from Citizens Advice.
Benefits of smart water meters for landlords
If your tenant has asked for permission to request a smart water meter, or if you're considering one for a vacant property, that's great news. Smart water meters help tenants manage their water usage and have excellent benefits for landlords, too.