Millions of UK households may soon face a significant change in how they pay for water, as a new government report proposes the installation of compulsory smart water meters in every home. The report, presented to the British government on August 18, 2025, aims to tackle what many see as an outdated and unfair billing system—one that often leaves single occupants and childfree couples footing disproportionately high bills simply because of the way charges are calculated.
Currently, water companies in the UK often base bills on the size of a property and the average family size expected to live there. It’s a method that, while perhaps once practical, now seems increasingly out of step with the country’s shifting demographics. Many households, particularly those with fewer residents, end up paying more than the actual water they consume. According to a report cited by Birmingham Live, this approach leaves single people and couples without children especially vulnerable to overcharging.
The new proposal, detailed in a report authored by former civil servant Sir John Cunliffe, suggests a nationwide rollout of smart water meters. These devices, much like the smart energy meters already found in many British homes, would record the actual amount of water used by each household. The hope is that, by billing customers for their real consumption rather than a flat, estimated fee, the system will become fairer and more transparent for everyone involved.
But why the sudden urgency? Sir John Cunliffe’s report points to a looming population boom and the very real risk of water shortages in the decades ahead. "By 2055, it is anticipated there could be an additional 8 million people living in England, and public water supply could experience a shortfall of up to 5 billion litres per day," the report warns. That’s a staggering figure—one that underscores the need for both conservation and smarter management of existing resources.
Experts argue that the current system is not only unfair but also unsustainable. With climate change threatening water supplies and population growth on the horizon, the pressure is on to ensure that the UK’s water infrastructure can cope. Smart meter displays, already familiar to many for monitoring energy use, could soon help families keep tabs on their water consumption as well. The idea is simple: when people can see exactly how much water they’re using, they’re more likely to cut back on waste.
Of course, any major change in how utilities are managed will require careful oversight and regulation. That’s where Water Regs UK comes in—a body that works closely with water companies to develop and enforce the rules that protect public water quality and prevent waste. And there’s new leadership at the helm, just as these changes are being debated.
Jonathan Samuel, who brings nearly 40 years of experience in the gas and water industries, has been appointed Managing Director of Water Regs UK, effective October 1, 2025. Samuel’s background is impressive: he began his career as an apprentice with British Gas, later joining CORGI as a field inspector, and most recently served as chief executive of the Gas Safe Register for a decade. His appointment follows a decision to split the Managing Director role for Water Regs UK and WRAS Approvals, a move designed to support the continued growth of both organizations. Julie Spinks, who previously led both, will continue to head WRAS Approvals.
Samuel’s vision is clear. "I’m really keen to get my feet under the table and see where I can make a difference. I’m hoping to bring my knowledge and experience of nearly 40 years into the water industry to help plumbers, companies and anyone associated with the sector," he said upon his appointment. He emphasized his commitment to working closely with water companies to enforce the regulations that keep water safe and prevent waste. But his ambitions don’t stop there. "I’ll be looking to influence government and support plumbers and consumers alike. I want to promote water conservation and most of all I want to make sure when ‘Mrs Jones’ needs a plumber she gets someone who is competent, does a good job and doesn’t compromise her safety."
Water Regs UK is more than just a regulatory body. It manages the Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme (WIAPS) and administers the WaterSafe register, which includes members from WIAPS and trade organizations such as APHC, CIPHE, and SNIPEF. These schemes ensure that only qualified and competent plumbers are trusted to work on the nation’s water systems—an important safeguard as the industry faces new challenges.
Julie Spinks, outgoing Managing Director of Water Regs UK, expressed her confidence in Samuel’s leadership. "It has been a privilege to lead Water Regs UK for nearly 13 years. I will continue my mission to help people comply with the regulations to protect public health and keep water safe, with WRAS Approvals. I’m delighted to be handing the reins of the organisation into Jonathan’s safe and experienced hands and looking forward to seeing the experience he brings from the Gas Safe Register and working with him," she said.
As the debate over compulsory smart water meters heats up, the stakes are high. On one hand, there’s a clear need to make billing fairer and to prepare for a future in which water is likely to be an even more precious resource. On the other, there are legitimate concerns about the cost and complexity of rolling out new technology to millions of homes—not to mention the potential privacy implications of smart meters that track household usage in real time.
For now, the government has yet to make a final decision on the proposals outlined in Sir John Cunliffe’s report. But with mounting pressure from experts and a growing awareness of the challenges ahead, it seems increasingly likely that some form of compulsory metering will be part of the UK’s water future. If that happens, the success of the initiative will depend not only on the technology itself but on the ability of regulators, water companies, and consumers to work together in pursuit of a fairer and more sustainable system.
With new leadership at Water Regs UK and a renewed focus on conservation and competence, the sector appears poised for a period of rapid change. Whether these efforts will be enough to safeguard the UK’s water supply for generations to come remains to be seen—but one thing’s clear: the conversation about how we value and manage water is only just getting started.
