Could You Save Money on Your Water Bill?

With so much focus on gas and electricity costs lately, it’s easy to overlook another vital utility - water. And while we can’t choose our water provider, there are ways in which we can change our habits - and gadgets - to save money and the environment.

If your bills are estimated

Without a water meter, your bill will be based on your home's 'rateable value'. The amount of water you actually use is irrelevant. If there are an equal or greater number of bedrooms in your home compared to people, you may want to look into getting a water meter. The Consumer Council for Water has a free water meter calculator that tells you if you can save money with a meter by asking questions about your water use, and calculates your estimated costs on a meter. 

Water meters are installed for free by Welsh Water, who also have their own online meter calculator - and if you change your mind at any time within 2 years you can switch back to your unmeasured 'estimated' charge.

Some say meters lower a property's sale price, but while there's a slim chance it'll put really high-water-use buyers off, it's rare. So if that's not a concern or you're not planning to move soon, you're better off bagging any savings now. If the calculators indicate that savings will be minimal, then you might choose to stay with estiamted bills where you have a better idea of costs and can plan ahead for the outgoing each month. 

If you have a water meter

Around half of all UK homes have a water meter, where the size of your bill depends on your actual water consumption, usually along with a sewerage bill that's charged at a higher rate than usual consumtion (like taking a shower) because of the processing involved in pumping waste water out of your home.

Since 1990, all new homes have been fitted with water meters, and if you move into a home with a meter then you don't have the option to switch.

If you've been on a meter for a while then there's a fair chance your direct debit went up during lockdown when we were all at home more - and they probably stayed up. Check your direct debit (this goes for your fuel bills too!) and if think you're going to be using less in the coming months then get in touch with your provider to revise the direct debit.

Reduce your water waste

There are a number of simple, easy habits that could save your water and money;

• Turn off the tap when you're brushing your teeth or shaving
• If your toilet has a dual flush, remind yourself to use the right one
• Fill your dishwasher and washing machine for full loads only, and aim to use one less cycle per week
• Rinse your vegetables in a bowl or sink full of clean water instead of running them under the tap
• Cut your shower short by 30 seconds
• Check your toilet, taps and pipes for leaks
• Don't use your toilet as a bin - if it can be binned or recycled, don't flush it!
• Install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors
• Take baths - a partially filled bathtub uses less water than all but the shortest showers
• Keep drinking water in the fridge - it saves you running the tap to get it cold enough when you're thirsty
• Water your lawn only when it needs it - watering on a regular schedule doesn't allow for cool spells or rainfall which reduce the need for watering. When you do water your lawn, water it long enough for water to seep down to the roots where it is needed. 
• Use a broom to clean driveways, sidewalks and steps - using a hose wastes hundreds of gallons of water!

Invest to save?

Posted on: 4 November 2022