Ever opened your water bill and thought, “That seems a bit much”? You’re not alone. Many households across the UK still pay for their water based on something called a rateable value — a figure that might date back to the 1970s or 1980s. In this guide, we’ll break down what rateable value water means, how it affects your charges, and what you can do to make sense of it all.
Rateable value is an old estimate of what your home might have rented for on the open market, typically set between 1973 and 1990. This number, determined by the Valuation Office, is no longer updated but is still used by many water companies to calculate bills for unmetered new business properties.
If your home doesn’t have a water meter, your bill is likely calculated based on your property’s rateable value. It’s multiplied by a charge rate set by your supplier to work out your annual charges for water supply and wastewater services.
Not sure whether your bill is accurate or whether you could be paying less? Here’s how to run a quick water bill check:
If you live alone or use very little water, it might be worth switching to a meter.
Wondering how to find out water rates for a property gov uk style? While there isn’t a single central tool for this, you can get the information you need from your local water company’s website. Some useful links and tools include:
There’s no gov.uk service that tells you the rateable value directly, but your council tax statement or water bill may show it.
Unfortunately, no. The government froze rateable values in 1990, and they are no longer reassessed. However, you can:
If your property has a high rateable value but your actual water use is low (e.g., single occupancy, low consumption), a meter could drastically reduce your bill. Most water companies offer a trial period so you can switch back if it doesn’t help.
Rateable value water means your water bill is calculated based on your property’s historical rental value, not on how much water you actually use. This applies to unmetered homes.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Here’s a quick comparison:
Use your water company’s online calculator to compare both methods and see which one saves more.
Yes. If a meter can’t be fitted for technical reasons, your water company may offer an assessed charge. This is based on your household size and usage habits, offering a fairer alternative to RV-based billing.
If you’re struggling with your bill, you might qualify for:
Understanding how rateable value water billing works gives you more control. Whether you’re a homeowner trying to find out water rates for small business gov uk-style, or just doing a regular water bill check, being informed helps you make better decisions. If you haven’t already, now’s the time to check your billing method, compare with a meter, and look for support if needed.
Want more advice like this? Subscribe to our newsletter or download our water-saving checklist today. It’s free and could help you cut your bills in half.
