Follow these simple tips and cut hundreds of pounds off your water bill
From social tarrifs to water meters we look at all the ways you can save money
HOUSEHOLDS struggling with rising water bills are being urged to claim available help – as thousands are missing out.
Water charges have increased from an average of £292 in 2006/07 to £389 this year.
While bills can vary considerably depending on circumstances, meaning some families will pay significantly more or less than this, it is important to take advantage of the assistance you are entitled to.
New findings from the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) show tens of thousands of struggling households in England and Wales are losing out on support that could cut their bills.
The consumer watchdog says 19 out of 21 water companies have social tariffs that can reduce the amount people on low incomes have to pay for water and sewerage.
The tariffs could help more than 400,000 households but CCW says fewer than a third of customers have signed up.
In some cases, reductions can be as much as 90 per cent, depending on each water company’s tariff and the financial circumstances of a customer.
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So how exactly do you go about getting help?
Andy White, from CCW, says: “If you are struggling to pay, make sure you get in touch with your water company at the earliest opportunity.
“Water companies have a wide range of schemes that can help people in financial difficulty.
“These include social tariffs and trust funds for people on low incomes, as well as arrears-allowance schemes to help customers who are already in debt.”
There is also a scheme called WaterSure, which can cap the bills of low-income, metered customers who might use a lot of water because they have a large family or a medical condition.
But there are other ways to cut bills, including making some small changes in the home.
Here, we take a closer look at what you can do.
Changing to a water meter
While it is not possible to switch companies, if you do not use much water you might save cash by having a meter fitted (free of charge).
Bills are based on usage, rather than the rateable value of your property.
Andy says: “Smaller households are more likely to save by switching to a water meter.
“A good rule of thumb is if there are more bedrooms than people living in your home, it’s worth considering a meter.
“Even larger households sometimes find they can save, as in the past their property was given a high rateable value.”
See ccwater.org.uk/watermetercalculator/.
You will usually have a year’s trial and can switch back to unmetered charges if you do not like it.
Ask your water company how long its trial period lasts before installing it.
Fix leaky taps
Replace worn washers.
A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and could add £18 to your annual bill.
Get your hands on some freebies
Most water companies will offer free devices that help reduce the water you use, so it is worth asking what is up for grabs.
This might include gizmos such as shower regulators, shower timers and tap inserts.
Take a shower
Save money taking a shower rather than a bath and spending less time in there.
Tim Robertson, from Save Water Save Money, says: “Cutting your family’s showering time by just one minute each can cut £120 a year from your energy and water bill.”
Installing a water-saving shower head can cut the amount you use by about 30 per cent.
More ideas
- Fit a dual-flush or install a gizmo like a “hippo” in your toilet cistern to save money each time you flush.
- Shut off the tap while you brush your teeth. This will save about six litres of water a minute.
- Turn off the shower while you shampoo your hair.
- When boiling the kettle, only use the amount of water you need.
- Wash up in a bowl rather than keeping the hot tap running.
- Make sure your dishwasher or washing machine is full before turning on. That way, you can save water and energy. Avoid the “half-load” setting as this cycle uses much more than half the energy and half the water of a full load.
- Buy a garden water butt. The average house roof collects enough rain to fill 450 water butts a year.
- Wash the car using a bucket rather than a hose.
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FOR more information on social tariffs – and to find out if you might be eligible – see .
CCW has teamed up with poverty relief charity Turn2us to launch a benefits calculator and grants search tool on its website. It helps consumers work out if they could be entitled to any additional financial support.
You can make use of the savings calculator at . It takes less than five minutes to complete and you get a report showing how much water, energy and money is going down the drain in your home. There are also personalised tips, advice and devices to help you save.
Recent figures from the CCW found nearly half of water companies across England and Wales saw an increase in written customer complaints in 2015/16, with four recording “alarming” surges.
If you have a complaint about your water bill, begin by getting in touch with your provider.
If you are not satisfied with the way your complaint is handled, you can then refer it to the CCW.