United Utilities Water Bill Estimator
Estimate your annual water and sewerage charges for 2024/2025.
Metered Charges Calculation
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Select occupants to estimate…
1 Person (~55 m³/yr)
2 People (~110 m³/yr)
3 People (~165 m³/yr)
4 People (~220 m³/yr)
5 People (~275 m³/yr)
6+ People (~330 m³/yr)
Enter value from your meter or use dropdown above.
m³
p
Typically includes assumption that 90-95% of water returns to sewer.
p
Combined Water + Sewerage Fixed Annual Fee.
£
Unmetered (Rateable Value) Calculation
Found on your bill. Not the same as Council Tax band.
£
p
p
£
Often a fixed annual fee based on property type.
£
Band A (Terraced/Semi) – ~£120/yr
Reduced Rate (Claimed rebate)
Band B (Detached) – ~£180/yr
None (Soakaway confirmed)
Water Charges:
£0.00
Wastewater/Sewerage Charges:
£0.00
Drainage/Standing Charges:
£0.00
Total Estimated Annual Bill: £0.00
(Approx. £0.00 per month)
Note: Figures are estimates based on input rates. Actual United Utilities bills may vary due to specific tariff bands, exact pence-per-m³ fluctuations, and VAT (usually 0% for households).
Understanding United Utilities Water Rates (2024/2025)
Living in the North West of England means your water and wastewater services are likely provided by United Utilities. Understanding how your bill is calculated can be complex, as it depends heavily on whether you have a water meter or pay based on your home's Rateable Value (RV).
This calculator helps you estimate your annual bill by factoring in volumetric charges, standing charges, and surface water drainage fees. Below is a breakdown of how these costs are structured.
1. Metered Charges vs. Unmetered Charges
There are two primary ways United Utilities calculates your bill:
- Metered (Pay for what you use): If you have a water meter, you are charged for every cubic meter (m³) of water you use. Additionally, you pay a "return to sewer" charge, which assumes that roughly 90-95% of the water you use goes down the drain. This is often the cheapest option for single occupants or couples in large houses.
- Unmetered (Rateable Value): If you do not have a meter, your bill is fixed based on the Rateable Value of your property (a value assessed in 1990). This amount does not change regardless of how much water you use. This is often better for large families in properties with low rateable values.
2. Key Components of Your Bill
| Charge Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Volumetric Rate | (Metered only) The cost per cubic meter of water supplied and wastewater removed. Prices typically adjust every April. |
| Standing Charge | A fixed annual fee that covers the maintenance of the pipe network, meter reading, and customer service. You pay this regardless of usage. |
| Rateable Value Charge | (Unmetered only) A charge calculated by multiplying your home's £RV by the current year's rate (in pence). |
| Surface Water Drainage | A charge for rainwater that falls on your roof/driveway and drains into the public sewer. If your rain drains into a soakaway, you may be eligible for a rebate. |
3. Average Usage Guidelines
If you are considering switching to a meter, it helps to know average usage figures:
- 1 Person: ~55 m³ per year
- 2 People: ~110 m³ per year
- 4 People (Family): ~220 m³ per year
Note: One cubic meter is 1,000 liters. A standard bath uses roughly 0.08 m³, while a shower uses roughly 0.04 m³.
4. Surface Water and Highway Drainage
A significant portion of your bill relates to drainage. United Utilities charges for:
- Highway Drainage: A contribution towards the cost of draining public roads (everyone pays this).
- Surface Water: Draining rain from your property. If you can prove your surface water does not enter the sewer (e.g., it goes to a soakaway or stream), you can apply for a reduction in your standing charges.