Rochdale Boroughwide Housing collects water charges on behalf of United Utilities as part of the rent charge.

As such, it is important to ensure this is paid in advance with your rent. Neither Universal Credit nor Housing Benefit will pay for your water charge so it is your responsibility to pay this from your own income.

  • How are my water charges calculated?

    Your water charges are calculated by United Utilities and are based on services they provide such as treating and supplying your water, taking away used water and rainwater.  For further information contact: We're here to help (unitedutilities.com)

    United Utilities give a £10 discount off your bill for all properties in the Collection Agreement in recognition of the savings they make by RBH collecting the charges on their behalf.

    RBH do receive a commission for collecting the water charges. The commission we receive is invested into the services we provide for our customers.

  • How can I reduce my water charges?

    For the majority of our properties the water charges are calculated using the Rateable Value to work out how much to charge people without a water meter. They were used for everyone's bills until1990. The values were assessed and changed by the Valuation Office of the Inland Revenue and were loosely based on the annual rental value of the property.

    There are a number of different water tariffs available, and we can apply to United Utilities on your behalf, so please contact our Water Advisor on 01706 274100 to request the most suitable plan for you.

    Water meters - With a water meter, both water and wastewater charges are based on how much water has been used. The meter records the amount of water used in something called 'cubic metres' and United Utilities charge for every cubic metre used. 

    There is also a charge to take away rainwater and the roads (which we call 'surface water and highway drainage') and standing charges too. These are fixed annual charges and are not based on meter readings.

    As a general rule, if there are less occupants in a property than the number of bedrooms ,it is likely you will save money by having a water meter installed. United Utilities give a guarantee that if you decide you are not saving money in the first thirteen months of having the water meter installed, you can revert back to the rateable value calculation.

    If it is not possible to fit a water meter in a property, United Utilities will transfer the property onto an assessed charge. It is a fixed annual amount varying according to the type of premises, except where only one person or pensioner lives at the property. The charge is calculated on the average usage for the size of property or the number of occupants.

    Back on Track - The scheme is suitable for customers either receiving benefits, or on a low income and finding it difficult to pay their bill following a recent change in financial circumstances (such as redundancy or a reduction in current income).

    Depending on individual circumstances the water bill will be capped at a lower amount for the year. To be eligible for the scheme customers will need to provide details about their household income for United Utilities to assess how much they can afford to pay.

    WaterSure - If a meter is installed and the residents receive benefits and have a good reason for using lots of water - such as three or more children living at home or a medical condition - they may qualify for WaterSure. The amount charged will be capped at a set amount regardless of the water used.

     

     

     

  • I have a water meter and think my charges are too high, what can I do?

    If your bill is suddenly a lot higher than normal, a leak could be the reason. United Utilities have prepared this advice leaflet on how to check for leaks. If you detect an issue you can report it through your MyRBH account or speak to our Water Advisor on 01706 274100.

     

  • What do I do if I have a water leak?

    If the leak is within the boundary of your property please inform us by reporting it to our Repairs Team through your MyRBH account, or by contacting us on 0800 027 7769

    If the leak is on outside the boundary of your home/garden please contact United Utilities to report it: unitedutilities.com/bursthome for further information

  • How do I read my water meter?

    Your meter records your water usage in ‘cubic metres’.  When you look at your meter, you’ll see a line of black and white numbers, as well as red and white dials or numbers.  The black and white numbers show how many cubic metres you’ve used and United Utilities use this number to work out your bill. 

    If you would like us to get United Utilities to check your charges, we can pass on details of your meter readings. Please call our Water Advisor on 01706 274100 with the reading and the date the reading was taken. Alternatively, you can email a reading to rbh.rents@rbh.org.uk (please remember to include your address, the reading & the date in the email).