Tips to help you reduce your water spending
Have a water meter fitted
A water meter means you only pay for the water you use. If you don't have a water meter, you pay a fixed price for your water. It doesn't matter how much water you use, your bill won't change.
If there are more bedrooms in your home than people, or the same number, check out getting a meter.
Check out the water meter calculator which estimates how much you could save by getting a water meter.
Alternatively, contact your water supplier to get their own calculator to get the most accurate estimate and see if you can save.
Getting a water meter removed
If you find you are not better off after changing to a meter, you can usually change back to how the bill was paid before within twelve months. You can't do this if you have moved into a property where a meter is already installed, or if universal metering has been introduced for everyone in your area.
Asking for permission
If you have a fixed-term tenancy agreement of less than six months, you must ask the landlord’s permission. If your fixed-term tenancy agreement is longer than six months, you don't need your landlord's permission to have a meter, but your tenancy agreement may require you to ask their permission for alterations to the property.
Tips to reduce water usage
- Rather than boiling water in a pan, use your kettle (it uses less energy) and only fill the pan enough to cover whatever you’re cooking.
- Take a shower rather than a bath.
- Wash your clothes on an eco-wash setting at 30˚C and wait until you have a full load.
- Line-dry your clothes rather than using a tumble dryer.
- Make sure all your radiators have thermostats and use them, turning down by just one degree can save as much as £75 a year.
- Use energy-saving lightbulbs and be sure to turn off lights that don’t need to be on.
- Use a bowl of water when washing up, rather than leaving the tap running for too long. If using a dishwasher, be sure to fill it completely.
More help with water
Watersure is a scheme which helps some people with their water bills.
To qualify for WaterSure you need to:
- be on a water meter or have applied for one and be waiting for it to be installed, or be paying an assessed charge because it's not possible to fit a meter at your property
- be on certain benefits
- have a high essential use of water
You can apply for WaterSure by filling out a form from your water company. You will need to supply evidence that you qualify, such as a copy of your awards notice for a benefit.
