House water main leak and subsequent water bill (metered)

[tryitandsee]

The lead water main (metered) in the tenants terrace house was leaking for some time, tenant did not notice the sound of constant running water. Long story.

I noticed it and reported it to water board. On investigation with water board, we established it was leaking under the floor in house, my responsibility and I (as Landlord) fixed it, two days after initial discovery.

My query is, the water board are now pursuing the tenant for £1000 water consumption. This amount of money is obviously down to the leak. I have no idea when the leak started anymore than the tenant, does this situation lead to a charge in metered water that was wasted. I'm not apportioning any blame to the tenant as it is as much my problem as repairs are down to me, but neither of us know when it started.

Any help appreciated.

 

[doitall]

Thats nearly 2 mile of water 1m square I think you would have noticed that much water.

But I think that is the total bill including standing charges and possibly sewage as well

 

[ChrisR]

Dunno mate. You could call Ofwat, they're very friendly. Though they may have changed name!
I think we pay just over £1 per 1000 litres for the water. So, 1000 cubic meters??!
Can you guess from the meter reading if the leak started before the previous reading? If so, maybe shift some blame onto them?
Yes you normally pay for disposal (sewerage) for the same volume of water, so make sure you aren't, for the leaked water!

 

[tryitandsee]

Just to conclude, Southern Water were very reasonable about it , they have reverted bill back to a ratable one, as if no water meter fitted, now £300 for the year. Seems they were willing to do this because the leak was fixed quickly.