How to save money on your water bill

Water is an essential expense, but it shouldn’t break the bank.

So if you’re on a low income or benefits and starting to feel the pinch, then help is available.

And there are plenty of practical ways to save water that can make a big difference too.

Here are six ways to keep your water bills down…

Apply for a social tariff

Water companies offer a social tariff scheme that means if you’re on a low-income or claiming means-tested benefits, you could get a discount on your bills.

Some schemes reduce bills by up to 90%, depending on your situation.

You might qualify if:

• your household income is under a certain threshold (usually between £20,000 and £25,000)
• you claim benefits like universal credit, income support or pension credit
• you have high essential water use due to a medical condition or large family

To apply, either call your water company on the phone or go on their website.

You’ll then be asked to provide some basic information about your income and household situation.

If you’ve already fallen behind on your bills, some water companies also offer hardship funds or payment matching schemes to help you clear arrears.

Switch to a water meter

If you switch to a meter, you can be sure you’re only paying for the water you actually use, rather than an estimated amount based on your past usage or the size of your home.

You can have a water meter installed free of charge if you ask for one from your water company.

They might also have a two-year trial period, which gives you a chance to switch back if you don’t save any money.

To find out whether a meter would work for you, try your water provider’s online calculator.

Fix drips and leaks in your home

A single dripping tap can waste more than 5,000 litres of water a year, and a leaking toilet can waste up to 400 litres a day.

If you’re on a meter, that works out to more than £300 a year that you’re paying for wasted water.

So check your taps, pipes and toilets for leaks and get them fixed without delay.

You might not want to pay for a plumber to do the work, but ignoring the problem will cost you more in the long run.

Some water companies offer free leak detection or subsidised repairs. 

And if you live in a rented home, your landlord is usually responsible for fixing leaks, so report any issues straight away.

Change how you use your appliances

Many household appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines and showers, use lots of water, so the cost of using them can quickly add up.

So small changes to how you use them could also make a big difference to your finances.

For example, you could only run the dishwasher and washing machine when they’re full, so you can make the most of every drop of water.

You could also shower for just five minutes instead ten, because if you’re using less hot water, you need less energy to heat it, so you’re bringing down your water and electricity bills at the same time.

Use free water-saving gadgets to reduce usage

Many water companies offer free water-saving devices, such as:

• shower timers to help limit water use to four minutes
• tap inserts that maintain water pressure while using less water
• cistern displacement bags that reduce how much water is used when the toilet is flushed

These are easy to install and can make a big difference to your water usage, without you having to change your routine.

And that, in turn, means lower bills.

Get everyone in your house involved

It’s great if you can save water, but it’s even better if the rest of your household does it too.

So encourage everyone in your home, whether that’s your partner, children or housemates, to embrace saving water and make sure they know what habits lead to the biggest waste.

For example, talk to your kids about turning the tap off while brushing their teeth.

Or even put up reminders in the kitchen and bathroom so people remember to save water where they can.

Seek free debt help 

If you’re falling behind with your bills or feeling overwhelmed, then ask for help.

Nearly a quarter of the people we’ve supported with debt advice over the last year have fallen behind on payments to their water company.

So if you’re struggling to keep up, you’re not alone and there is no shame in asking for help.

The sooner you speak to someone, the more options you’re likely to have.