All newly built properties in the Anglian Water region have been metered since 1990. Water services charges before that date for existing properties that haven’t switched to a water meter are based on the rateable value of the property, (which was previously assessed by the Valuation Office of the Inland Revenue donkeys years ago and does not take into account any property alterations since). It definitely pays to be metered if you do not have a large family. Indeed, for those living on their own where water consumption is below 70 cubic metres per year, there is a special tariff available for Anglian customers called SoLow which is cheaper than the standard tariff. For those of you living alone in other water company areas you might wish to see if something similar is available. Dishwashers can be extremely thirsty in the use of water, although manufacturers today are building them to be far more economical .

Standing charges are not based on the number of taps a property has, they are fixed charges to cover the provision of the supply that has to be collected, cleaned, pumped and then taken away.

Metering is by far the fairest way to pay as one pays for what they use after they have used it where as rateable value based charges are payable in advance.

I pay all of my bills by monthly direct debit and in several cases receive a discount for doing so. If you think that you are paying too much by that method, the utilities are always willing to review the amount and adjust it based on anticipated consumption.
My council tax bill has been frozen this year and I am paying the same as last, £129 per month for my son and I and water/ sewerage is £44 per month.