we chose to go on a water meter about 3 years ago as the kids had left home.the first years bills were half we used to pay approx �11 a month then the last 2 years have gone up to �32.50.we have 2 water butts for the garden and try to save where we can.but you cant go back after 1 year so we are stuck with it.But my mum who lives on her own,she uses very little had her bills reduced from �25 to �14 for the last 3 years so it has worked out ok for her.we are with united utilities.