Imagine getting your water bill and realizing you’re being charged the same as three roommates who shower for 20 minutes every day-while you take 5-minute showers and only run the dishwasher once a week. That’s the reality for thousands of UK students living in properties without individual water meters. But if your student house has a water meter, you only pay for what you actually use. It’s not just fair-it can save you serious cash.
How Water Meters Work in UK Student Houses
In the UK, most homes are billed for water based on a fixed rate tied to the property’s value, not how much water is used. But in student housing, especially newer builds or those managed by private landlords, water meters are becoming more common. These devices track exactly how much water flows through your pipes-every drop used for showers, washing dishes, flushing toilets, or even filling a kettle.
When a water meter is installed, your water bill changes from a flat fee to a usage-based one. The meter records consumption in cubic meters (m³). Your water company then charges you based on two parts: a fixed daily charge (for maintenance and service) and a variable charge per cubic meter used. For example, if you use 10m³ of water in a month, you’ll pay for those 10m³ plus the daily fee.
Some student accommodations install smart meters that send readings automatically to your water supplier. Others still require manual readings-usually once every three months-submitted online or via phone. If you forget to submit one, you might get an estimated bill, which could be higher than your actual usage.
Who Pays for Water in Student Housing?
It depends on your tenancy agreement. In many cases, especially in university-managed halls, water is included in your rent. But in private rentals-like shared houses or flats-you’re often responsible for setting up and paying your own utility bills. That includes water, electricity, gas, and internet.
If your house has a single meter for the whole property, you and your housemates will need to split the cost. That’s where problems start. Someone might leave the tap running while brushing teeth, or take three baths a week. You end up paying for their habits. That’s why many student groups push for individual meters-or at least a fair usage split based on room size or number of occupants.
Some landlords install sub-meters in each bedroom or bathroom. These are smaller meters that track water use per room. You pay only for what your room uses. This setup is rare but growing, especially in newer student housing developments in cities like Manchester, Leeds, and Bristol.
What Does It Cost to Install a Water Meter?
Good news: you don’t pay to install it. In the UK, water companies are legally required to install a meter for free if you request one. You can apply online through your water provider’s website-just search for “request water meter” and follow the steps. It usually takes 10 to 20 working days for the installation.
The installation is done by a licensed technician and takes less than an hour. They’ll place the meter where the main water pipe enters your house-usually under the kitchen sink, in a utility cupboard, or outside near the boundary. No major renovations are needed. After installation, you’ll get a confirmation letter with your meter number and instructions on how to read it.
There’s one catch: you can’t switch back. Once you have a meter, you’re locked in for at least 12 months. If your usage turns out to be higher than expected, you can’t revert to the flat rate until after that period. So it’s smart to estimate your usage first.
How Much Do UK Students Actually Pay for Water?
There’s no single answer-it depends on your region, water company, and how much you use. But here’s a realistic breakdown based on 2025 data:
- Fixed daily charge: Around £0.50 to £0.70 per day, depending on your region. That’s £15 to £21 per month just to be connected.
- Variable charge: Between £1.50 and £2.20 per cubic meter (1,000 litres). A typical shower uses about 0.1m³. A full load in the washing machine? About 0.05m³.
Let’s say you’re a student who showers once a day (5 minutes), washes dishes by hand, uses the washing machine twice a week, and flushes the toilet 5 times a day. That’s roughly 8m³ of water per month.
Your bill would be:
- Fixed charge: £18
- Usage charge: 8m³ × £1.80 = £14.40
- Total: £32.40 per month
Compare that to the average flat-rate bill in the UK: £35-£45 per person per month for water in a shared house. If you’re light on water, you save. If you’re heavy, you pay more.
But here’s the real win: if you live with three others who each use 15m³ a month, your total usage is 68m³. With a single meter, you’re each paying around £50. With individual meters, you pay £32-and your roommates pay £70 each. That’s a 50% savings for you.
How to Save Money on Water in Student Housing
Even with a meter, you can lower your bill. Here’s how:
- Shorten showers. A 5-minute shower uses about half the water of a 10-minute one. Install a shower timer if your house doesn’t have one.
- Don’t run the tap. Fill a bowl to wash dishes instead of letting water flow. Same with brushing teeth.
- Wait for full loads. Run the washing machine and dishwasher only when they’re full. Use eco-mode if available.
- Fix leaks fast. A dripping tap can waste up to 10m³ a year-that’s £20+ extra on your bill. Report leaks to your landlord immediately.
- Use a water-saving device. A simple flow restrictor on your showerhead can cut usage by 30%. They cost less than £10 and are easy to install.
Some universities even give out free water-saving kits to students-check your student union website.
What If Your Landlord Refuses to Install a Meter?
You have rights. Under UK law, any tenant-including students-can request a free water meter. Your landlord can’t refuse this request. If they say “it’s not our responsibility,” they’re wrong. The water company handles the installation, not the landlord.
If your landlord blocks your request, contact your water supplier directly. Most have a dedicated student support line. They’ll send you a form to fill out and will install the meter even if your landlord won’t cooperate. You don’t need their permission.
Just be ready to explain that you’re a student on a tight budget and want to pay only for what you use. Water companies hear this all the time-they’re used to helping students.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Here’s what goes wrong-and how to avoid it:
- Mistake: Forgetting to submit meter readings.
- Solution: Set a phone reminder every three months. Some apps let you scan your meter’s display and auto-submit.
- Mistake: Assuming your bill is correct without checking.
- Solution: Compare your meter reading to your bill. If it doesn’t match, call your supplier. Estimated bills can be way off.
- Mistake: Splitting the bill evenly without tracking usage.
- Solution: Use a free app like Splitwise to log who used how much water each month. Even rough estimates help.
- Mistake: Thinking a meter will always save money.
- Solution: If you live with four people who all use water heavily, your bill might go up. Use the water company’s online calculator to estimate your usage before requesting a meter.
What Happens When You Move Out?
When your tenancy ends, your water supplier will send someone to read the meter one last time. You’ll get a final bill based on your actual usage up to your move-out date. If you’ve overpaid, you’ll get a refund. If you owe, you’ll need to settle it before your deposit is returned.
Don’t skip this step. Even if you’re leaving the country, you still need to close your account. Otherwise, you could be charged for water used after you left-especially if your new roommate doesn’t notify the supplier.
Always send your final meter reading to your water company via email or their website. Keep a copy. It’s your proof of usage.
Final Thoughts: Is a Water Meter Worth It for Students?
Yes-if you’re mindful about water use. For the average UK student who showers briefly, doesn’t waste water, and lives in a house with heavy users, a water meter can cut your monthly bill by 30-50%. That’s £15-£25 saved every month. Over a 9-month academic year, that’s £135-£225 back in your pocket.
It’s not a magic fix. If you’re the one leaving the tap running, you’ll pay more. But if you’re careful, it’s one of the easiest ways to take control of your housing costs. And in a time when rent keeps rising and part-time jobs don’t always cover bills, every pound counts.
Requesting a water meter is free, simple, and your legal right. Don’t wait until your bill arrives to realize you’ve been overpaying. Do it now. Your future self will thank you.
Can I get a water meter installed if I’m a student in private rented housing?
Yes. As a tenant in the UK, you have the legal right to request a free water meter from your water supplier, regardless of whether you’re in a university hall or a private rented house. Your landlord cannot block this request. The water company will handle the installation at no cost to you.
Do I have to pay for water if it’s included in my rent?
If your rent includes water, you don’t pay a separate bill. But you also don’t benefit from a meter-even if you use very little water. In that case, you’re paying the same as everyone else, no matter how much you use. Ask your landlord if they’d consider switching to metered billing-it could lower your rent in the long run.
How do I know if my student house already has a water meter?
Look for a small metal or plastic box near your main water pipe-usually under the kitchen sink, in a utility cupboard, or outside near the front of the house. It will have a dial or digital display. If you see numbers changing as water runs, you have a meter. Check your water bill-if it shows usage in cubic meters (m³), you’re on metered billing.
Can I switch back to a flat-rate bill if I don’t like the meter?
No. Once you’ve had a meter installed, you must keep it for at least 12 months. After that, you can request to switch back to a flat rate, but only if your usage has been consistently higher than the flat charge. Most students end up saving money, so few choose to switch back.
What if my housemates refuse to pay their share of the water bill?
If you’re on a single meter and the bill is in your name, you’re legally responsible for the full amount. To avoid this, make sure the bill is in all housemates’ names, or set up a joint payment plan. Use apps like Splitwise to track who owes what. If someone consistently doesn’t pay, document it and speak to your landlord or student union for help resolving disputes.