Cut water bills

Cut your water bills
Big meter savings, freebies & more

Water often gets overlooked as a utility—many believe they can’t reduce their usage, but we’ve witnessed numerous successes from individuals who have saved hundreds of pounds on their bills by installing water meters and reducing their consumption. Additionally, there are resources available for those in financial difficulty. This guide compiles all the methods to help you lower your costs.

Water bills could rise by £100 on average over the next five years

Every April, water companies adjust the rates they charge their customers. While rates usually increase, sometimes there is a slight reduction in bills.

The water regulator, Ofwat, has introduced new proposals that will allow water companies to raise bills by an average of around £100 across England and Wales over the next five years, beginning in April 2025. The goal is to “reduce pollution, improve customer service, enhance river and bathing water quality,” and address climate change.

Starting from April 2025, most bills will increase, but the amount will vary significantly depending on your location. Below is a breakdown by firm of what your water bill might be by 2030 (excluding inflation):

1 – In England and Wales? Some could slash water bills by switching to a meter

As switching between firms isn’t an option, the primary decision revolves around how you’re billed. In England and Wales, there are two billing methods:

• Estimated Billing: Your bills are estimated, meaning you pay a fixed amount based on your home’s size. This is determined by your home’s ‘rateable value’.
• Metered Billing: You have a water meter, so you only pay for the water you use. Since 1990, all new homes have been equipped with water meters, and you can request one for free.

If you’re in Scotland or Northern Ireland, the billing system differs:

• Scotland: Water bills are based on council tax bands and included in a ‘combined service charge’ along with other services.
• Northern Ireland: There are no domestic water charges.

Should you get a water meter?

If you reside in England or Wales and want to determine if a water meter is financially beneficial, start by evaluating its potential cost-effectiveness. Our guideline is as follows:

If the number of bedrooms in your home is equal to or greater than the number of occupants, consider installing a meter.

In Scotland, installing a water meter comes with a significant cost, making it generally impractical unless you live alone in a large estate. In Northern Ireland, there are no domestic water charges, so a meter is unnecessary.

How much can you save?

The outcome can differ based on your household’s water usage and your water provider. Keep in mind, you can give it a try to determine if it reduces your expenses. Most water companies offer up to two years to revert to the previous arrangement at no cost, so if it’s not beneficial, you can cancel it without any penalty.

Free water meter calculator

The Consumer Council for Water has a free water meter calculator that tells you if you can save with a meter.

It inquires about various aspects of your water usage, such as the number of residents in your household, the frequency of showers each week, your dishwasher usage, and your current water bill. Based on this information, it provides an estimate of your costs if you switch to a meter.

If the estimated cost is lower than your current bill, you could save money.

Alternatively, contact your water provider.

For a more precise, though more time-consuming comparison, you can call your water provider and request their calculator, which will give you the most accurate indication of potential savings.

– How to get a water meter

To have a water meter installed, visit your provider’s website to check if you can apply online—this typically involves completing an application form—or you can call the provider directly to inquire.

Installation is generally free of charge, and meters can be placed either inside or outside your home. If installation isn’t possible due to space or access constraints, your water company should provide you with an assessed charges bill. If you desire a water meter but it’s costly or impractical for the company to install, they might require you to cover the expense, which could amount to several hundred pounds.

After the meter is installed, the supplier should supply you with an information pack outlining your new charges and update your online account accordingly.

– How are my bills estimated if I don’t have a water meter?

Without a water meter, your bill is determined by your home’s ‘rateable value,’ irrespective of the actual amount of water used. This system remains unchanged, and there is no option to reassess your home’s value.

Before 1990, local councils evaluated homes to determine their rateable values, considering factors like potential rental income in the private market and the size of the property. The last comprehensive assessment of all homes occurred in 1973. From that point until 1990, only newly built homes were assessed. Starting in 1990, all new homes have been equipped with water meters.

– Check your bills are using actual meter readings

If you have a water meter installed, it’s important to review your bills to ensure your water provider is using actual readings for calculations. Some meters can be read remotely, while others require an engineer’s visit. Consequently, your bills may be based on estimates until an actual reading is taken.

Water companies generally aim to read meters every six months. Ofwat states that water meters should be read at least annually, but if only your water company can access the meter, a reading must be taken at least every two years.

One MoneySaver shared her experience of receiving estimated bills for over two years, resulting in a significant refund when an actual reading was finally recorded. Therefore, it’s essential to verify your meter readings regularly.

– If you’re weighing up whether to get a meter, there are a few more facts to be aware of…

• If your potential savings are minimal, it’s best to stick with certainty. Fixed-rate water bills provide the assurance of knowing exactly what you’ll pay, regardless of your water consumption.
• Installing a water meter typically doesn’t impact your home’s market value. Some people believe that meters can decrease a property’s selling price. While there’s a slight possibility that high-water-use buyers might be discouraged, it’s uncommon. Therefore, if you have no plans to move in the near future, disregard this concern and enjoy the savings.
• High water usage might require you to get a meter. If you consume large quantities of water for non-essential purposes, such as maintaining swimming pools or extensive lawn sprinklers, or if you reside in a water-stressed region, a meter may be installed automatically. Some water companies, particularly those in southeastern England, are implementing metering programs, which means that households in these areas will be required to have a meter and won’t have the option to revert to an unmetered supply.

You can switch back to an unmetered bill within two years

With numerous providers, you have a two-year period to evaluate whether a water meter suits your needs. If you find it’s not the best option for you, you can request your water company to revert to an unmetered billing arrangement.

2 – Refused a meter? Get an assessed bill

Water companies are required to install meters at no cost upon request, with the exception of Scotland and Northern Ireland, unless doing so is demonstrably unfeasible—such as in cases where multiple households share pipes. If a water company refuses to install a meter, you have the right to challenge this decision by appealing to the regulator, Ofwat.

If the water company is unable to install a meter and your water consumption is minimal, request an ‘assessed charge bill.’ This bill is calculated based on factors like the number of occupants in your household, though the specifics can differ between companies.

While some water companies determine assessed charges based on the number of residents, others provide a standard rate for single occupancy. Generally, the assessed charges are determined by:

• The number of bedrooms in your property.
• The type of property you live in.
• The number of people who live in the property.
• A fixed charge based on the average metered bill in your company’s area.

3 – Check if you qualify for a social tariff

If your annual income is around £21,000 or less, you might qualify for a social tariff. These tariffs, available from all water providers, can reduce your bill by up to 90% by either lowering or capping your payments, regardless of whether you have a water meter. However, some providers might also require you to be receiving specific benefits. Approximately 5.7 million households are eligible but have not yet applied, potentially missing out on an average savings of £160 per year.

To apply, reach out to your water supplier. They will evaluate your situation by reviewing your income and personal circumstances to ensure you receive the appropriate assistance.

4 – On benefits and live in a metered household? Some could get capped bills through the WaterSure scheme

If you have a water meter, you might be eligible for a reduced or capped water bill under the national WaterSure program, which is accessible through all water providers.

To be eligible, you (or a resident in your household) must be receiving at least one qualifying benefit. Additionally, you must either have three or more children under 19 who are enrolled in full-time education or have a medical condition that requires higher water usage.

The eligible benefits are:

• Child Tax Credit (except families receiving the family element only)
• Housing Benefit
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support
• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit
• Working Tax Credit

If you qualify for the program, your water bills will be limited to a set amount, ensuring that you won’t pay more than the average household cost set by your water supplier, no matter how much water you consume. On average, you could save around £250 annually. To enroll, reach out to your water supplier to request an application form.

– Eligible medical conditions for the WaterSure scheme

Eligible medical conditions include:

• Abdominal stomas
• Crohn’s disease
• Desquamation (flaky skin disease)
• Incontinence
• Renal failure requiring dialysis at home – although you won’t qualify for WaterSure if you’re already getting a contribution to your water costs from the NHS
• Weeping skin disease (eczema, psoriasis or varicose ulceration)
• Ulcerative colitis
• Any other medical conditions that require extra water, which could include Alzheimer’s, dementia, cancer or diabetes

Typically, you’ll need to present proof of your medical condition. This might include a recent prescription, a doctor’s certificate, or a letter. Although you might need to cover the cost of obtaining these documents, some water companies offer reimbursement.

5 – Not eligible for a social tariff or WaterSure? Get help from your supplier if you’re struggling to pay

If you don’t meet the criteria for a social tariff or the WaterSure scheme and are having difficulty making payments, reach out to your water provider for assistance. Every water company has a variety of support options available for individuals facing financial hardship.

Ask your water company for a repayment plan

All water providers are required to offer a repayment or ‘restart’ plan, regardless of whether you have a metered account. These plans can vary between different companies, but a typical arrangement involves the company matching each payment you make. For instance, if you pay £1, the water provider will also contribute £1 towards your outstanding bill.

In some cases, companies may even reduce your debt if you consistently make payments according to your plan or increase the matching amount. For example, after six months, the company might offer to contribute £2 for every £1 you pay towards your debt, accelerating the process of clearing your balance.

The water provider will evaluate your circumstances and conduct a financial assessment to determine the most suitable repayment option for you.

If you’re really struggling, you may be able to get a charity grant

Numerous water providers in England and Wales have established programs and charitable funds to assist customers who are experiencing financial hardship or facing difficulties with their water bills. These initiatives can offer one-time payments to reduce or completely clear outstanding debt.

Programs include:

• Dŵr Cymru customer assistance fund
• Thames Water customer assistance fund
• United Utilities trust fund

Customers of these companies are eligible to apply, but each supplier has its distinct application procedure, and each case is reviewed individually. This means that only those who genuinely require assistance are likely to receive it. If your application is approved, you may receive support with settling your water debt. For instance, Dŵr Cymru may cover 50% of your outstanding balance if you’ve been making payments consistently for six months. Additionally, some providers might offer help with other types of debt, such as overdue energy bills or unpaid council tax.

If you need help filling in the application form, you can contact Citizens Advice which can help you.

Not with any of the water companies above?

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to access the funds above, but the charity Turn2us has a handy grant search tool for local charity groups that may be able to help.

For those in debt crisis (see debt crisis definition), who are consistently struggling with debts and meeting repayments, free personal help is invaluable – see our Debt help guide and Citizens Advice.

Get on the Priority Services Register if you’re vulnerable

As of March 31, 2023, electricity providers have the ability to share information about customers listed on the Priority Services Register (PSR) with water utility companies. This collaboration ensures that individuals on the PSR receive assistance and support in the event of a disruption in their water supply. For comprehensive information on eligibility and the process to enroll in the PSR, please refer to our guide on managing energy bills.

6 – Grab free water-saving gadgets

Households across much of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland can bag a range of free insulation and water-saving gadgets, and there are usually 100,000s available, including:

• Shower heads (which help regulate water usage, normally £20)
• Tap inserts (to regulate water flow, normally £5)
• Shower timers (usually £2.50, to help you cut down)
• Garden hose nozzles (to regulate flow, normally £2.50)
• Water butts (to collect rainwater for watering gardens, typically £20+)
• ‘Buffaloo’ cistern bags (so each toilet flush uses less water, normally £2)

You can receive one of each item per household, although availability differs based on your water company, location, and current stock. While the water companies finance these freebies, the distribution is handled by Save Water Save Money, an organization focused on water efficiency. The process for checking availability and applying for these items varies depending on your water provider.

• If you’re with Bristol Water or South East Water you can go straight to the freebies via this Save Water Save Money link. Enter your postcode in the ‘free water-saving devices’ box to see what’s available, then give your details to get ’em sent for free within 28 days.
• If you’re with Bournemouth Water, Cambridge Water, Dŵr Cymru, Guernsey Water, Hafren Dyfrdwy, Portsmouth Water, SES Water, Severn Trent, South Staffs Water, South West Water, Wessex Water, NI Water, Jersey Water, Scottish Water, United Utilities or Yorkshire Water you’ll need to use Save Water Save Money’s savings calculator to access the freebies.
• If you’re with Affinity Water, Anglian, Essex & Suffolk, Southern Water or Northumbrian, they’re not part of this promo, but you can sometimes get the freebies if you go direct to their websites.
• Thames Water no longer offers free water-saving gadgets, so if you’re a customer, you’d need to buy your own or rely on saving water in other ways.

How much could I save?

Savings can differ based on your provider and usage, but according to the Energy Saving Trust, upgrading to a more efficient shower head from an older, less efficient model can save a family of four approximately £30 annually on their gas bill and another £30 on their metered water bill.

Additionally, taking advantage of the new winter insulation offers can help prevent leaks and protect against expensive repairs due to burst pipes.

Furthermore, lowering water consumption is beneficial for the environment. The Energy Saving Trust notes that it not only reduces energy use but also lessens the impact on local ecosystems and cuts down on carbon dioxide emissions by minimizing the energy needed for pumping, heating, and treating water.

7 – Check if you’re entitled to a light sewerage rebate

The water meter billing system is generally simple, operating on the principle that the amount of water entering a property is approximately equal to the amount exiting, under the assumption that water used will generate a similar volume of sewage.

Typically, it’s assumed that between 90% and 95% of the water used is returned as wastewater. However, this assumption may not hold true in certain specific situations. If your circumstances differ from this norm, you might be eligible for a significant refund.

Do you have a soakaway?

A large subterranean gravel pit designed to collect runoff from roofs or driveways is known as a soakaway. These structures are typically found in rural areas, such as small towns or villages, rather than in urban environments. If you’re uncertain whether a soakaway is present on your property, you can consult property deeds or contact your local authority to review the planning application details.

Water utility companies often offer rebates for properties where rainwater runoff is directed into a soakaway or flows directly into a river or canal, instead of entering the mains sewer system. To apply for this rebate, complete the application form provided by your water company. You can request this form by calling them or visiting their website.

Do you have a pond, large garden or swimming pool?

If you’re billed based on your water meter and frequently use water from an external tap, you can reach out to your water company to request a reduction in your bill. If you can demonstrate that the water wasn’t discharged into the sewer system, you shouldn’t be responsible for the sewerage charges. However, it is your responsibility to provide evidence that the water did not return to the sewer.

This typically applies in cases where there’s a significant one-time water usage, such as when filling a pond or pool. For regular, ongoing use, you might need to install a water meter on your external tap to prove the water’s usage, although this option can be quite costly.

Do you have a cesspit or septic tank?

If your property is not connected to the main sewerage system and instead uses a cesspit or septic tank, you are not required to pay sewerage charges. While this situation affects only a limited number of people, it’s important to verify any sewerage fees you have been charged if your property does not link to the central sewerage network.

Refused a rebate? Take it to the Consumer Council for Water

If your water company won’t give you a rebate (usually backdated to the beginning of the current billing year), get in touch with your local Consumer Council for Water office. It should be able to help if you feel the company should reasonably have known you weren’t connected, for example, if you live in a block of flats and other residents already receive an allowance.

8 – Get compensation for low pressure, missed appointments and supply issues

Under the guaranteed standards scheme (GSS), which all water and wastewater companies must adhere to, you’re entitled to compensation if certain things go wrong with your water supply.

This includes low pressure, not restoring a water supply that’s been cut off, or if your supplier fails to attend an arranged appointment. You should get at least £20 in each case. You can see the full list of issues covered and minimum compensation amounts on the website of the water regulator, Ofwat.

Water and wastewater companies should be mandated to automatically issue a minimum compensation of £20 whenever they fail to deliver the guaranteed service

If you don’t receive automatic compensation when a problem arises, and you believe you’re entitled to it, you can submit a claim within three months of the incident.

Start by reaching out to your waste or surface water provider. Typically, the company handling your water supply also manages your wastewater and sewer services. However, there are situations where two separate companies might be responsible—verify this by checking your bill. You can also check Ofwat’s map to find your supplier.

If your water company refuses to pay compensation, the Consumer Council for Water may be able to help. If it isn’t successful, it may refer you to Ofwat for a formal resolution.

All water companies are required to provide £10 per day in compensation if drought restrictions prevent you from performing essential household tasks

If you find yourself unable to access water for drinking, cooking, washing, or flushing the toilet due to emergency drought restrictions, you are eligible for compensation of £10 for each day (or part of a day) that your household water supply is disrupted or turned off. The total compensation you can receive is capped at the amount of your water company’s average household bill from the previous year.

Will I be entitled to compensation if I owe the water company money?

The guaranteed standards scheme covers all customers of water and sewerage companies, regardless of any outstanding debt. If you have been in arrears with your water provider for over six weeks, the company will typically apply a credit to your account rather than issue a direct compensation payment.

9 – Change your habits

For individuals with a water meter, conserving water directly translates to reduced costs. However, for those without meters, cutting down on water usage can lead to lower energy bills and benefit the environment. Today, the average water consumption is about 150 liters per person each day, compared to just around 20 liters used by our grandparents!

– Savvy showering

• Don’t wallow, shoot into the shower. A quick shower uses far less than a long soak in the tub, so think twice before baths.
• Turn off the tap when you shower. After initially wetting yourself, turn off the shower until you are ready to rinse clean. One MoneySaver reckons you can shower with almost no water at all.
• The efficient way to wash your hair. If it’s not a cold day, wash your hair and then soap up a sponge. Turn the water to a dribble while you soap up, then finish with a quick blast to get the soap off. This saves water, and ensures there’s still enough hot water to last the day out.
• Use your head – swap rinse-out hair conditioner for a leave-in version. Don’t use hair conditioner in the shower that you have to rinse out, use a leave-in version.
• Bundle into the bath. Get up close and personal with your other half and share your bath. Or put the kids in together to save water.
• Don’t bathe pets, keep Fido dry. Check with your vet, but it can be bad for their skin and they may not need it unless they require medicated baths or have rolled in something awful.

– Don’t flush your pennies down the toilet

• Consider using rainwater to flush the toilet. Here’s a tip from a savvy saver: “I collect rainwater for toilet flushing, filtering it through muslin cloth. My storage consists of two 200-gallon metal tanks, which are sealed and equipped with a large tap. To keep the water fresh-smelling, I use charcoal placed in netting, similar to the ones oranges come in. The collected water is stored in a bucket outside the conservatory door or in the bathtub, with a small amount of diluted bleach added.”
• Get a dual-flush loo. Use the small flush for number ones, or the stronger flush for bigger jobs!
• Consider using a Save-A-Flush bag to conserve water. Many water providers distribute these bags for free, and they fit inside your toilet’s cistern to reduce water usage. This simple step helps the environment and can save you about £10 annually. If you don’t want to reach out to your water company for one, you can achieve similar savings by placing a one-liter (or two-liter for even greater savings) fizzy drink bottle filled with water in your cistern. There’s a tool that shows you how to get water devices from your water firm at Save Water Save Money.

– Tap into those water savings

• Fix leaky taps. Check your meter’s not increasing when you’re not using water. If it is, get leaks sorted.
• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. Simple but effective!
• Running your tap to temperature? Fill up empty bottles while you wait for it to heat up and use round the house to water plants or for the kettle.
• Turn it off – don’t run the tap. When cleaning, don’t run the tap. Instead use a wash bowl to rinse cloths.

– Can you avoid using the hosepipe?

Here are some top tips to keep your garden watered or car clean without a hosepipe.

• Efficiently Clean Your Car. When it’s time to give your car a thorough cleaning, opt for a more practical approach. Use a bucket filled with hot, soapy water along with a watering can of clean water for rinsing—there’s no need to rely on a hose. Additionally, you might want to explore waterless cleaning products for a convenient alternative. According to Save Water Save Money, ditching the hose could save over 100 litres of water.
• Love the shade – keep plants out of the sun. Moving pot plants and house plants out of the sun helps limit the amount of water they need.
• Taking care of your plants? Remember to pay attention to their roots. A handy method is to use an upside-down water bottle with holes poked in it to deliver water straight to the root zone. This technique can help reduce waste. Additionally, consider using your used washing-up water for watering—while the detergent won’t harm your plants, it’s best to avoid using it on those intended for consumption. Lastly, be mindful of your pot choice; ceramic, metal, or wooden pots tend to retain moisture better.
• Fish-tank water is good for plants. Use dirty water from the fish tank on plants – it’s rich in nitrogen and phosphorous.
• Harvest Rainwater with a Water Butt. Consider using a water butt to collect rainwater. Occasionally, you might find one available for free. This device provides a steady source of water for your plants whenever necessary. To ensure you have water available when needed, remember to cover the butt to prevent evaporation.
• Recycle tea water. Empty the cold dregs from the tea on to house plants.
• Use leftover tumble-dryer water. If you use a condensing tumble dryer and it’s ventless, use the condensed water in your watering can or iron.
• Share your bath… with your lawn. Run a hosepipe up to your bathroom and siphon bathwater out of the window to your plants.
• Create a pond in your garden. It’s an excellent habitat for wildlife and offers endless moments of tranquility. Plus, it’s the largest water reservoir you can establish, surpassing the capacity of water butts. Use your watering can to draw water as needed, and be sure to return any snails or newts to their aquatic home afterward!
• Collect water. Stand a washing-up bowl in the shower. Use the water for the garden and house plants.
• Use a watering can instead of a hose. Use a watering can in the garden instead of a sprinkler or hosepipe. Garden sprinklers and hosepipes left running can use 500 to 1,000 litres of water an hour.

Other water MoneySaving ideas

• Shave and save. Use half a mug of water while shaving to get rid of hair by dipping the razor in the mug and churning it.
• Consolidate your dishwashing into a single session. Rather than cleaning dishes as you use them, wait and wash them all at once. This approach helps reduce water consumption. According to one MoneySaver, it’s a perfect reason to delay doing the dishes!
• Fill up your washing machine before starting it. Ensure you have a full load before operating your washing machine or dishwasher. Newer washing machines can use as little as seven liters of water per kilogram of laundry, and contemporary dishwashers can consume just 10 to 15 liters of water per cycle.
• Buy efficient white goods. If you’re looking to replace your dishwasher or washing machine, get some tips from the Waterwise or Save Water Save Money websites.
• Steam your veggies. Healthier and tastier than boiling them.