We have been receiving letters from Thames Water insisting that we have smart meters fitted that can monitor water usage. I have attached the most recent letter. Could you let me know whether the water meters are compulsory if we can refuse the installation?
SB, N London
I am afraid not. Thames is within its rights to insist on installing a water meter on the basis that the area it covers is deemed to be in an “area of serious water stress”. This gives it the right to install one. If you refuse, the company will put you on its “no access” higher charge which is currently £602 a year – so it’s almost certainly time to give in and get it installed. It is the equitable way to be charged.
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