Dawlish Discussion

Following the new year I have been looking at my financial situation and ways to cut down a few pounds each month.  

An alarming amount of £115.89 per month is paid in water rates alone and was wondering if this is right?  I'm sure it is but was wondering how everyone else was comparing with this.  I am currently unmetered and have now applied to go on a meter but am aware that my last property in dawlish was metred and I was not paying much less than this!

looking forward to my Government driven £50 rebate in April. 

Im metered and am now paying £66.50 per month over 12mnths, increase of £5 on last year!!!! this is more than I pay for my gas and on par with my electric. I believe its down to the sewerage charge which is double what I actually use in water

Having recently told South West Water where to shove their extortionate bill and expecting a court visit anytime soon. I was told by the Consumer Council for water which seem to be a part of OFFWAT, that on a metered supply the average useage should be £10/month/person in the household.

Our supply company SWW have the worst maintained network in the country and we have the highest bills. They blame E.U regulations on sea pollution for their high bills. In other words if they could get away with it they would continue to pump raw sewage into the sea to save money and maintain shareholder bonuses. The company are a disgrace they dont give a shit about customer service and only care about how to keep increasing their profits.

I thought privatisation was to enable consumer choice, but you try telling SWW you want to switch to another supplier. Best of luck.

What we really need in this area is a well backed public back lash against inflated water bills.

Please write to Anne-Marie Morris MP and demand action.

@FredBassett "I thought privatisation was to enable consumer choice"

Sorry Fred, but privatisation is for the shareholders to enjoy huge dividend payouts, same as the railways, electric and gas.

It's bound to go up as they've taken over ownership of private drains, like mine.  Haven't had this year's bill but bracing myself.

Can people please share what their water bills are per month as I have et to find anyone else paying this much.  How can I question if I am being overcharged?

We pay £47.50/month of which about 60% is sewerage.  We are metered.

@dawlishphil

The answer to your question is quite simple. Write to SWW via their website contact page . Tell them you consider your bill to be excessive, and you are not paying any more until you recieve a written review of charges along with their suggestions for reducing the bill.

Save the money you would normally pay them in order to clear your account once you get a revised amount, and dont worry they are not allowed to disconnect domestic supplies.

If you get no response contact the CCW and let them fight your case

Cheers 

personally I would pay the bill but still question your charges.

If you rainwater recycle then your sewage rate is reduced, if you reduce your water usage by flushing loo with rainwater your sewage will go down again.

A toilet uses 7- 9 litres per flush average home 200 litres a day from toilet use @ £1.95 per cube = £3.90 a day water plus £2.35 sewage

Rainwater electric use £3.12 per month water £0 sewage £0

Basic tank £40, pump £40 pipework £100

We have fitted a special toilet only uses 30-40 litres per day for 3 people.