B & D Clays & Chemicals Limited v Castle Water Limited

B & D Clays & Chemicals Limited v Castle Water Limited

On a proper interpretation of Regulation 8 of the Water (Meters) Regulations 1988, meter readings are evidence of water supplied unless the meter is proven to register incorrectly by statutory testing; other evidence is not admissible to challenge meter reliability if the meter passes prescribed tests.

Parties
Appellant/defendant: B & D Clays & Chemicals Limited; Respondent/claimant: Castle Water Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
25 February 2026
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment
Outcome
appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Water Meter Evidence, Burden of Proof, Expert Evidence, Statutory Construction

Case Brief

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Parties

B & D Clays & Chemicals Limited

Appellant/defendant

Castle Water Limited

Respondent/claimant

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment

  1. 1 Proper interpretation of Water (Meters) Regulations 1988, regulation 8
  2. 2 Whether meter readings are definitive evidence unless proven incorrect by statutory test
  3. 3 Admissibility of other evidence to challenge meter reliability

Ratio Decidendi

On a proper interpretation of Regulation 8 of the Water (Meters) Regulations 1988, meter readings are evidence of water supplied unless the meter is proven to register incorrectly by statutory testing; other evidence is not admissible to challenge meter reliability if the meter passes prescribed tests.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Claim for water charges allowed based on meter readings; no recalculation or alternative evidence permitted.