Ditton Water: Your Supplier, Rates & Meters

If you just moved and have some Ditton water questions, you will be able to find who handles the Ditton water supply as well as wastewater services in the information below. Additionally, we will cover what the local water hardness means for you, and what you should do if you encounter supply problems.

Ditton Water Supplier

Ditton water is supplied by one water company, South East Water. Here are the contact details for your Ditton water supplier:

Ditton sewerage and wastewater is also handled by Southern Water. Here are the sewerage and wastewater contact details:

Be aware that calls to numbers starting with 03 may be charged at local rates by your phone company.

Where does Ditton water come from?

Two-thirds of the water that South East Water provides comes from underground aquifers, while the remaining third comes from a combination of reservoirs and rivers. The source of your water can change throughout the year; for example in periods of low rainfall as the surface water supply lessens, South East Water will draw from the underground aquifer supply until further rain can replenish the surface water sources. The water quality from all of these sources is closely monitored at all times to ensure its quality.

Water Rates Ditton

The type of water rates that apply to homes in Ditton vary, depending on if their home is equipped with a water meter. You can find out whether your Ditton water rates are metered or not by taking a look at your water bill. Homes that have metered Ditton water rates will have a meter number listed on their bill. If you can't find this, the account number can often also indicate if your home has a water meter. If the account number starts with MC (Metered Customer), this would mean that your property has a water meter. If the account number begins with UC (Unmetered Customer), then your home would not have a water meter.

If you don't have a bill available, you may also be able to find a water meter by searching around your property. These would usually be located near the stop tap in the kitchen or garage or can be in the garden within a small box set into the ground.

If your property has a water meter, it is very important to provide regular meter readings so that your water supply can supply you with accurate bills. Not providing water readings could result in inaccurate or unnecessarily high water bills.

Homes that are not metered will have something called a rateable value of the home instead. This value is based on several factors, such as property size and the availability of local services. These factors are then used to create an estimated consumption value of your home, which is then used to generate your bill.

Trying to decide if water meters are the right choice for you? Take a read through Selectra's essential guide to water meters to learn more about how they work.

The average water rates Ditton residents are being charged result in an average water bill of around £418 a year. This amount combines both water supply and sewerage costs.

If you are interested in saving money on your water bill then our guide to water rates will give you some great tips on how to lower your water bill.

Ditton Water Hardness

Ditton's water hardness is rated as medium water. The hardness rating of water varies from region to region and is based on the mineral values present within the water. Though rainwater is quite soft, as water filters through the earth is can pick up minerals such as magnesium or calcium. The more minerals that are within the water, the harder it will be, and the less effective it is for household use.

Ditton water's hardness rating means that though the water in your home shouldn't cause any significant issues such as strong limescale accumulation or the deterioration of appliances, it may still be beneficial to proactively take some steps to help further lessen the likelihood of these effects. Here are a few examples of what you can do:

1. Dishwashers - Take advantage of the built-in water softener. Make sure you regularly top off it off with dishwasher salt in the appropriate compartment.
2. Baths, sinks and toilets - Be sure that you clean these areas with an acidic sanitiser often. This will help to reduce and slow the accumulation of limescale deposits.
3. Clothing - Liquid detergents should be used over powder detergents due to them being generally more effective at resisting water hardness and preventing soap scum. Additionally, you should regularly clean your washing machine by adding baking soda and white vinegar directly into the drum and setting it to a hot wash. Make sure to wipe down the drum thoroughly afterwards. This process limits and removes limescale build-up.
4. Kettles - Do not overfill your kettle with water. Make sure that you clean your kettle by half-filling and adding two tablespoons of white vinegar, leaving it for four hours to loosen scale build-up. Rinse and repeat to remove scale.

Can you drink the water in Ditton?

Yes! You can drink the water in Ditton. The UK Drinking Water Inspectorate has scored Ditton's water quality a 99.96% in overall mean zonal compliance, meaning that your water is safe to drink. It is not necessary to boil or filter Ditton's water to make it potable.

If you notice a change in taste or smell of Ditton's water this may be due to one of the following reasons:

1. Chlorination in safe volumes helps to keep the pipe network clean, but can subtly influence your waters taste occasionally.
2. Plumbing can contribute to the taste of your household water, adding metallic, salty or rubbery hints.
3. Seasonal changes in water characteristics can infuse Ditton's water with an earthy smell or taste.

If you have concerns about your water's taste, smell or appearance, you should contact South East Water, who will assist you further.

Ditton Water Problems

The types of water problems that you can encounter in Ditton can come in a range of forms, stretching from burst pipes, flooding, or even a regional outage. It is important that you know what checks you should do, and who you should contact if you encounter such an issue.

If you notice a water leak or flooding outside your Ditton property, you need to do one of the following:

1. If you aren't at home, you can reach out to South East Water on social media in various ways, or give them a call.
2. If you have access to a computer, go to the "report a leak" section of South East Water and fill out the online form. If the problem is serious or is a health risk, be sure to call them also to make sure that they can respond quickly.

Ditton No Water

If you have no water in your home, you need to find out if the issue is to do with your home plumbing or a South East Water outage impacting Ditton.

1. Check the "In Your Area" sections of the South East Water website. This area should show any known incidents, and an estimated time or repair and service resumption.
2. Ask your neighbours whether they have the same issue as you. If they do, then this points to it being an area problem rather than an issue with only your home.
3. Check that your stop tap is open. A stop tap must be open to allow water to flow. If it is open but no water flows, then this suggests a water outage is affecting your property.

If you have no water is it only no cold water or no hot water. If you have cold water but no hot water, the issue will be with your home plumbing and not the water company.

If there is no cold water, not even a trickle, contact South East Water for assistance.

Ditton Water Discolouration

If the water in your home is discoloured, the issue might be a South East Water issue impacting Ditton.

1. Changes to the colour of the water in Ditton may happen after a burst pipe has been repaired.
2. Or, South East Water could have been carrying out upgrade work on the pipes in Ditton.
3. Water Discolouration is not harmful and can often be cleared by running the cold water tap until it becomes clear.

If there is no improvement after trying this, you can contact South East Water for assistance.