Higher than expected bill?
There can be many reasons why your water bill is higher than you’d expected. You might be able to work out why with our handy checklist. If not, we’re happy to help.
- HomeWater efficiencyHigh Consumption Checklist
Work through the options below
Is your estimated bill correct?
If your bill is based on an estimated reading, then check it looks right.
Do you share supply?
You could be accidentally paying for a neighbour’s water.
Do you have a leak?
There are a couple of easy ways to check if you have a leak and its location.
Has your water use changed?
There are a couple of easy ways to check if you have a leak and its location.
Has your Rateable Value changed?
Rateable value in Scotland has been updated, impacting bills.
If your bill is an estimate, check it's correct
Take your own meter reading and compare it to the estimate on the bill
If your reading is much lower than the estimate please contact us. You can also submit your own reading online.
If the reading is higher then continue to follow the steps on this page.
Recently had a new meter installed?
Your new meter will ensure your bills are more accurate, so this could also explain the difference.
Check if you share your water supply with a neighbour
Test this by running a tap in your neighbour’s property and checking if your meter dials speed up.
If it does, get in touch.
Check if you have a leak
Turn your water off at the stop-cock
If the meter dial stops going around there is no leak between the meter and the stop-cock. If the meter dial continues to go around there must be a leak between the meter and the stop-cock. Contact us and we’ll arrange for the regional wholesaler to visit to check.
Then switch off internal water outlets, i.e. urinals, header tank, ice machines, taps
If the meter dial continues to go around this indicates a leak within your own pipe-work. Contact an emergency plumber at this stage at your own expense. If the dial stops and doesn’t go around, then you don’t have a leak.
Has your water usage changed recently?
Think about how your water usage might have changed
Have you employed more people? Upgraded your facilities? Changed a physical business process that uses water?
If so this could have increased how much water you use. It is likely that your new charges reflect your new water use.
Check if your rateable value has changed
Check your rateable value on page 2 of your bill.
Water bills are calculated using your rateable value and because of Scottish Government changes the RV used in Scotland is changing.
We now use the most up to date RV, so this could have changed how much you are charged.
You can find out more about RV changes in Scotland here.
If none of these helped with your problem
Please get in touch for more expert advice and help
Get in touchPrefer a PDF? Download our High Consumption Checklist and work through the list when you can.
We’re fully committed to improving our environmental performance. You can find out more in our environmental policy. We are certified to ISO 14001, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018
