United Utilities | Ask Jane a question

Yes, we can meter a trough, if the meter can be fitted separately on the service pipe near our water main. You must pay for the surveying and metering work to be carried out. If you decide that you want your trough metered you will need to write to us to tell us you agree to pay these costs before we can start work.

The standing charge for a trough with a meter is £80. It is worth noting that this is only £55 less than the whole charge for a trough without a meter. If your trough uses 36 cubic metres of water a year you would pay more in metered charges. 36 cubic metres is less than the amount one dairy cow will drink in a year. It may therefore be worth your while thinking carefully whether or not you would benefit from having a meter fitted.

If you decide to have a meter fitted you cannot switch back to unmetered charges.