Why do I have a meter?

The Scottish Government and the Water Industry Commission for Scotland decided that Scottish Water should install water meters in all business properties in order to make charges more reflective of actual consumption.

Water meters are the fairest and most accurate way to measure how much water you use. Instead of being charged on the rateable value (RV) of your business property you pay for the water you use along with waste water and fixed charges. Drainage charges are still based on your RV.

Meters help us conserve one of our most precious resources as we are rewarded for using less.

Reading your meter

In order for us to bill you as accurately as possible, we’ll read your meter twice a year. Please give us access to your meter when we visit your business to read it.

To help us build up a history of your water usage, and to give you a more accurate bill, please record your own meter readings and submit them online at www.business-stream.co.uk/submitameterreading. You will need your serial number, so make sure you have this to hand (it is imprinted on the meter either above or below the dials).

To read your own meter simply make a note of the black numbers on the white background. (Ignore the white numbers on red). Submit your meter reading online or call us on 0845 602 8855. One of our team will record your meter reading so that your account is up to date (remember to have your serial number to hand).

For more information on how to read your meter, download our simple guide to reading your meter. If you don’t know where your meter is email us.

Taking care of your meter

It's your responsibility to look after your meter and ensure you have taken steps to protect it from extreme weather like frost or flooding. But even when well protected, meters sometimes stop working properly. If you think there is a problem with your meter please email our customer response centre at customer.service@business-stream.co.uk or call us on 0845 602 8855.

Tracking your consumption and costs

By noting down your own meter readings, you can monitor your consumption. This helps you improve your water efficiency, which can mean cost savings as well as helping out the environment. And since all pipework past the meter is your responsibility, monitoring your consumption will help you identify if there is a leak or burst pipe.

To help anticipate what your phased costs are going to be over the next three years, try our bill calculator.