With the cost of living crisis continuing to pummel us all, it makes sense to save money any which way we can.
Water bills are poised to shoot up by an average of six per cent, adding another layer of pressure to already-tight household budgets. And while this rise translates to forking out around an extra £2.30 per month, some regions and providers could see jumps as high as 20 per cent. The hike is all down to the UK’s ageing water system requiring large-scale maintenance and major repairs, as well as building new facilities, such as reservoirs and water recycling plants. And this is on top of costly sewage clean-ups, unpredictable rainfall and stricter environmental regulations.
While necessary, the timing of these price hikes couldn’t be worse for many families already facing higher energy bills, increasing rent and mortgage costs, and rising food prices. For this reason, it’s important to remember that support is available for those on low incomes, and there are numerous ways to lower costs and become more water-conscious. Here Liz Hunter, director at Money Expert, has shared some simple tips to reduce your water bill.
Consider moving to a meter
There are two ways to pay your water bill. You could be paying an estimated ‘unmetered charge’, which is based on your home’s size and/or value if you don’t have a meter. If you do have a meter, you pay based on your usage. Most new homes have a water meter installed.
If you don’t currently have a meter and are paying an estimated bill, getting one could save you money if:
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Your property value is high, but water usage low
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You have fewer occupants than bedrooms
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You live alone
This is because you could be paying for more water than you actually use.
However, if you have a large household and therefore predict you use more water than average, you’re better off staying on an estimated charge. Otherwise, a water meter could lead to higher bills. If you’re unsure, use the Consumer Council for Water’s calculator to see if you’d save money by switching to a meter.
Shorten your showers
According to WaterWise, showers account for the highest usage of water in UK households, at around 34 per cent. This means that shortening your showers can be a powerful way to cut back your water bill amid rising costs. For example, Anglian Water claims that cutting showers down to five minutes could save the average household more than 28,000 litres of water and £100 in energy and water costs per year.
Setting a timer can be a helpful way to cut down your shower time. You could even find a song you enjoy (that lasts around four to five minutes) and play it as a guide. It can also help to turn the shower off while shampooing or while leaving conditioner/hair masks on for their allocated time. You could also switch your showerhead to a low-flow version to conserve even more water. Traditional shower heads use around eight to ten litres per minute in the UK, whereas low-flow showerheads use approximately four to six, amounting to huge savings over time.
Choose showers over baths
On the topic of showers, it’s best to choose them over baths whenever you can. The amount you’ll save varies depending on how long you shower for and how much you fill the tub. However, an average eight-minute shower uses 96 litres, whereas a full bath holds 80-100 litres. But if we compare it to a shorter, five-minute shower, which only uses 60 litres, you can see how much water you can save on a daily basis. As well as reducing your water bill, choosing showers over baths will also help to cut back your energy bills, as you won’t need to heat as much water.
Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth
The simple act of turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save approximately six litres of water per minute, according to WaterWise UK. So if you brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes, you’ll save a whopping 8,544 litres of water per year.
If you have a meter and save this amount of water per year, you’d knock around £16 off your annual water bill, based on the average UK water price of £1.90 per cubic meter in 2023. If a family of four all did the same thing, you’d cut around £50 off your water bill – and the saving is likely to increase in 2024.
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Choose water-efficient appliances
When you’re next due to replace your washing machine, dishwasher or toilet, choose water-efficient models, if you can. These are specifically designed to use less water compared to traditional models. When shopping, look for the WEL label (Water Efficiency Label). This will show a rating of between A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) based on the appliance’s water consumption. Aim for higher ratings (A+, A++, or A+++) for the biggest savings.
Wash full loads
Washing machines use a significant amount of water per cycle, regardless of the load size. While usage varies, the Water Resources Council (WRC) estimates that washing machines account for approximately 15-20 per cent of average household water consumption. For this reason, doing your washing only when you have a full load instantly translates to less water used, and therefore lower water bills. It could also lead to savings on your electricity or gas bills, so it’s a real win-win.
Collect rainwater
We get plenty of rain in the UK, and while this might not benefit your mood, it could benefit your water bills if you’re willing to harvest it. You can start by using your gutters and downpipes. Simply place a bucket, barrel or water butt directly under the downpipe. Rain will flow through the gutters and downpipes and fill your container automatically. The water you collect is perfect for watering plants in the summer or washing your car, which can help to lower your bill as you won’t need to turn on the hose.
If you want to collect filtered water that can be used for showering and the like, you’ll need to install a harvesting system with filters and pumps. While there are upfront costs involved, the savings on your water bill over time can be substantial.
*Check if you’re eligible for financial assistance
As well as taking steps to reduce your water usage, it’s worth checking if you’re eligible for any financial support:
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Social tariffs: Discounted water bills are offered by water companies throughout the UK to help low-income households afford their water. Schemes differ in terms of who is eligible for help and what assistance is provided. However, they’re generally available to those that have a household income of less than £17,005 excluding benefits, or £21,749 if you live in a London Borough. You can find a list of all the social tariffs available, as well as how to apply, here.
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WaterSure: A scheme for customers with a water meter who use lots of water, but struggle to afford it, is also available. If you meet at least three of the following criteria – you use a water meter, are in receipt of benefits, receive child benefit for three or more children, have a medical condition or live with someone who does – you could be eligible. To apply, you’ll need to contact your water company and fill out a form.
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Financial hardship funds: Many water companies offer financial hardship funds to assist their customers who’re struggling to pay their water bill. These funds can be used to help clear your debt. To apply for these, you’ll need to contact your water company.
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Contact your supplier
If you’re struggling to pay your water bills, it’s worth getting in touch with your supplier. In most cases, they’ll be able to spread your payments over a longer period through a payment plan, to make things more manageable for you. In rare cases – and depending on your circumstances – it might be possible to have the debt written off.
If you’re unsure how to approach the situation, you can contact Citizens Advice for advice. If you’re unhappy with how your water company has dealt with your financial hardship, you can also ask the Consumer Council for Water to investigate your behalf.
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