How to reduce your water bills

• If you don’t have a water meter, you'll be charged a set amount for water and sewage services, regardless of how much water you actually use. This amount is based on your home’s rateable value.
• If you have a water meter, you’ll be charged for the actual units of water you use. All properties built since 1990 have a water meter installed.

What is rateable value?

A property's rateable value is based on how much the property could be let for. Before April 1990, every property in England and Wales was given a rateable value.

If your property has changed a lot since its rateable value was set then you may be able to get a water meter fitted instead. A good general rule is that you could pay less on your water bills if there are fewer people in your property than there are bedrooms. 

How can I save money on my water bills?

There are some simple things you can do to reduce your water usage and therefore the cost of your water bills, for example:

Fix dripping taps or leaks

Dripping or leaking taps can waste the equivalent of half a bath of water per week and it'll cost you extra if you use a water meter, so it's a good idea to get these fixed.

Take showers instead of baths

If you can, shower instead of taking a bath – a short shower uses around 1/3 of the amount of water needed for a bath. However, if it's easier for you to take baths, you might want to consider not filling the tub all the way because the average full bath uses 80 litres of water.

Don’t leave the tap running

Turning off the tap while you're brushing your teeth or shaving saves water. You could also fill up a bowl and use this to do the dishes and wash food, rather than rinsing every plate and cup under running water. When looking after your garden, use a watering can instead of a hosepipe. 

Fit a device in your toilet cistern 

You can get devices that minimise the water used in flushing your toilet. These can save up to 3 litres of water with every flush. Ask your water company if it supplies them free of charge.

Use your washing machine and dishwasher on full-load programmes

It might come as a surprise, but a full-load programme uses less water than 2 half-load programmes. 

How could the Priority Services Register help me?

If you're on the Priority Services Register, then you're entitled to free services and support, including water deliveries in an emergency, large print bills and advance telephone notice of an interruption to your water supply.

This is provided by utility suppliers to help more vulnerable customers, for example if you're over State Pension age or living with a disability.

Contact your water supplier to get added to their register.

Should I get a water meter?

Water meters are devices that measure the exact amount of water you use in your home. Water suppliers use this measurement to calculate water bills so you're only charged for the amount of water you actually use.

A water meter could save you money if:

• you live alone
• you live in a home with a high rateable value
• you use very little water.

You can ask your water company to fit a water meter for free. The water company can refuse if it thinks that installing one isn’t practical or is too expensive. If you’re a tenant, you may need permission from your landlord first.