Households urged to act now to save hundreds of pounds on water bills | Personal Finance | Finance
UK households are being urged to take immediate steps to cut their water bills and save hundreds of pounds.
Ofwat, the water regulator, has cautioned that customers in England and Wales will shoulder the expense of crucial investment in water infrastructure and river purification initiatives. While these improvements are essential, the financial strain will be borne by already financially stretched households.
However, Matthew Sheeran, a money-saving specialist at Money Wellness, suggests there are feasible methods to save hundreds of pounds annually right now, particularly for those on low incomes or grappling with the escalating cost of living.
“Water is a necessity, but it doesn’t mean your bill should drain your finances,” asserts Sheeran. “Many individuals aren’t aware that assistance is available, especially if you’re on a low income or benefits. Social tariffs can shave hundreds off your bill, and straightforward water conservation tips can also make a significant impact.
“With prices poised to increase, the time to act is now. A brief five-minute call to your water company could be the easiest money you save all year.”
Here are Matthew’s recommendations for lowering your water bills before the substantial increases take effect.
1. Apply for a social tariff – it could reduce your bill by up to 90%.
“One of the most substantial savings you can achieve, and one that too many people overlook, is through your water company’s social tariff,” Sheeran elaborates.
Customers struggling with their finances could benefit from a special tariff scheme offering substantial discounts on bills for those on low incomes or receiving means-tested benefits. Some programmes can slash bills by up to 90%, depending on individual circumstances.
Eligibility may hinge on having a household income below a certain level (typically £20,000 to £25,000), claiming benefits such as Universal Credit, Income Support, or Pension Credit, or having high essential water usage due to medical conditions or a large family.
To apply, individuals should visit their water company’s website or contact customer service. Applicants will need to provide details about their income and household.
Additionally, some companies have hardship funds or payment matching schemes to assist customers in clearing any bill arrears.
2. Switch to a water meter and only pay for what you use
Another money-saving tip is switching to a water meter to ensure you only pay for the water you consume. “If you’re not on a water meter, you might be paying for more water than you actually use,” notes Sheeran.
“In some cases, switching could save you over £100 a year and it’s usually free to do.”
Water meters are particularly advantageous for smaller households or single occupants, where consumption is typically less than the rateable value of the property. With a meter, charges are based on actual usage rather than an estimated amount.
Most water providers offer free installation upon request, and there’s often a two-year trial period allowing customers to revert back if they prefer.
If it doesn’t save you money, consider whether a meter would work for you by using your water provider’s online calculator.
3. Fix dripping taps and leaking toilets – small leaks, big bills
“A dripping tap might not seem like a big deal, but it can waste thousands of litres of water a year, and if you’re on a meter, that’s money down the drain,” warns Sheeran.
A single dripping tap can waste more than 5,000 litres of water per year, and a leaking toilet can waste up to 400 litres a day. That’s equivalent to over £300 a year in wasted water if you’re on a meter.
Regularly checking your taps, pipes and toilets for leaks and fixing them promptly is one of the simplest and most effective ways to bring your bill down.
Some water companies offer free leak detection or subsidised repairs. If you’re renting, your landlord is usually responsible for fixing leaks, so it’s worth reporting any issues straight away.
4. Use free water-saving gadgets to reduce usage effortlessly
“A lot of people don’t realise they can get free water-saving gadgets from their provider, and they’re a great way to cut back without changing your routine,” Sheeran says.
Many water companies offer free water-saving devices that are easy to install and can make a noticeable dent in your water usage. These include shower timers to help limit water use to four minutes, cistern displacement bags that reduce the volume used in each toilet flush and tap inserts that maintain water pressure while using less water.
Installing just a handful of water-efficient devices could see the average household’s water consumption plummet by tens of thousands of litres each year, spelling significant savings — particularly when merged with an energy-conscious approach to hot water usage.
5. Shorten your showers and only run full appliance loads
“Small daily changes like taking shorter showers or waiting until the washing machine is full really do add up over the course of a year,” Sheeran points out.
By reducing your shower from 10 minutes to 5, the typical home can save around £70 annually on both water and energy bills. The lesser the hot water utilised, the lower the energy required to heat it, resulting in double savings.
Moreover, operating dishwashers and washing machines exclusively when full ensures optimal use of every water droplet. Avoid half-loads unless your appliance boasts an eco-setting and always review the energy label for efficiency insights.
Opting for eco-cycles when available slashes both water and power consumption even further.
6. Engage the entire household – every drop matters
“One person saving water is good, but when the whole family gets on board, the savings multiply,” Sheeran elaborates.
Rallying all household members behind water conservation practices amplifies impact, notably in larger families. Educate kids on shutting off taps during tooth brushing, inspire your partner to surpass the four-minute shower challenge, and make everyone aware of the most wasteful water habits.
You could even put up reminders in the kitchen and bathroom to keep water awareness top of mind. By making water saving a shared effort, you’ll not only reduce your bill but also help future-proof the UK’s water supply, something we’ll all benefit from as pressure on resources grows.
7. Seek free debt help if you’re struggling to keep up
“Water bills are just one piece of the puzzle, and for many households, they’re becoming harder to manage,” says Sheeran. “If you’re falling behind or feeling overwhelmed, don’t wait to get help.”
Money Wellness, a free debt and money help organisation, has seen a 24.4% rise in water expenditure among the households it supports over the past year, with 23% of customers behind on payments to their water company. That’s nearly one in four people struggling to stay afloat.
If you’re worried about mounting costs, you are not alone and there’s no shame in asking for help. The sooner you speak to someone, the more options you’re likely to have.
