Why are unmetered charges billed in advance?
Originally charges were collected by local authorities who provided sewerage and/or water services. They charged in advance in the same way that the council tax is now billed. The Water Act 1991 allowed this way of charging to continue because there was no obvious option other than compulsory metering. However, customers can choose to take advantage of different payment options which enable them to spread the cost of the bill over the year.
