Water bills on the rise: how to save money despite the 6% hike

Find out how to reduce water bills with money saving tips, plus details on lower priced tariffs, and finding financial support schemes.

Water bills across the UK have increased by an average of 6% from April 2024, adding roughly £27 more to annual household expenses.

This will be around £2.30 a month extra, depending on where you live, although a couple have gone down, others have gone up a whopping 20% or £71 over the year!

With household bills increasing in cost, we’ve looked at some ways you can get your outlay down that you might not have thought about before.

Why can’t we switch water suppliers?

Before we jump into the money-saving tips, let’s tackle a common question: Why can’t we switch water suppliers as we do with energy providers?

The water industry in the UK works differently.

It’s based on geographical areas, each with a single supplier.

This setup is due to the massive infrastructure needed to supply water – it’s just not practical to have multiple companies lay pipes in the same area.

So, unlike energy, where competition can help drive prices down, in the water sector, we’re pretty much anchored to one provider.

How to cut your water bill costs

There are several ways to reduce your water bill and make those extra pounds less noticeable.

Ask for a social tariff

Social tariffs are a lifeline for anyone who finds their water bills too high.

They offer a reduced rate for eligible households, typically those on low incomes or receiving certain benefits.

Some companies offer as much as 90% off the price of the water bill.

Eligibility criteria vary between water companies, but generally include:

• Being on a low income or receiving income support, jobseeker’s allowance, pension credit, or universal credit.
• Having a high water usage due to a large family or a medical condition.

Contact your water supplier directly to find out if you’re eligible and how to apply.

• Affinity Water
• Anglian Water
• Bournemouth Water
• Bristol Water
• Cambridge
• Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water
• Essex and Suffolk Water
• Hafren Dyfrdwy
• Hartlepool
• Northumbrian Water
• Portsmouth Water
• Severn Trent Water
• South East Water
• Southern Water
• South Staffordshire Water
• South West Water
• SES Water
• Thames Water
• United Utilities
• Wessex Water
• Yorkshire Water

Each supplier has different criteria and application processes, so it’s important to get the specifics for your area.

Financial support

Around two million households are getting support with their water bills, which is double the amount from last year, but more can get help, and it’s out there.

They can offer support such as:

• Reduced tariffs: Lower rates for eligible customers
• Payment breaks or breathing space: Temporary relief from bill payments for people facing financial difficulties
• Writing off debt: In certain cases, part or all of the outstanding water bill debt may be forgiven
• Financial hardship funds: Water companies may be able to offer grants to help clear debts

If you’re struggling, get in touch with your water supplier.

WaterSure

For low-income families with high water usage due to essential needs, the WaterSure scheme is available.

It caps bills for people who use a lot of water due to large families or specific medical conditions.

You must have a water meter or have applied to have one, be on certain benefits and have a high essential use of water (such as certain medical conditions or having three or more children under 19).

You need to apply directly with your water company and provide evidence.

Water Direct

Water Direct allows you to pay for your fresh water and services for sewerage water directly through your benefits payments.

If you qualify, an agreed amount is taken directly from your benefits to cover your water bill. You might find this makes it easier to budget with one less payment coming from your bank.

To access Water Direct, you need to recevei certain benefits includine Universal Credit or Pension Credit and owe money to your water company.

You can speak to your energy company directly about getting it set up.

Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register offers a wide range of assistance, not just financial, to various individuals.

It includes those with sight, hearing, or mobility difficulties and parents with babies under 12 months old.

Registering can provide support and services to meet your specific needs.

Get a water meter

If you don’t have one already, installing a water meter could be a game-changer for your bills.

It allows you to pay for exactly the amount of water you use rather than a fixed rate.

This is particularly helpful for smaller households or anyone who uses water sparingly.

Many water companies will install a meter for free, and if you find it doesn’t save you money, you can usually switch back within the first year.

Water saving tips

Reduce your usage

If you are on a water meter, there are a few things you can do to prevent overusing water and get your bills lower.

Fix those drips

A dripping tap might seem minor, but it can waste a staggering amount of water over time.

Fixing leaky taps and ensuring your toilet isn’t running can save litres of water daily.

It’s often as simple as replacing a washer or adjusting a float ball.

Shower power

Opt for showers over baths.

Showers generally use less water, especially if they’re kept brief.

If you’re feeling brave, turning off the shower while soaping up can save even more!

And why not consider a water-efficient showerhead?

They’re designed to use less water without compromising your shower experience.

Full loads only

Whether it’s your washing machine or dishwasher, make sure you run them only when they’re full.

This approach makes sure the appliance is running to full efficiency and you’re not wasting water on half-empty cycles.

Water-smart gardening

Love your garden?

Collect rainwater in a water butt for watering plants.

It’s free and better for your plants compared to treated tap water.

Also, consider drought-resistant plants that require less watering.

Mindful usage

Simply being more conscious of the water you use can make a big difference.

Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, limit using hosepipes, and reuse water when possible (like collecting cold water as it heats up for the washing up for plants).

Use water-saving gadgets

Many water companies give away free gadgets to help you save water.

This could be things like shower heads that use less water or bags to put in your toilet cistern so it uses less water with each flush.

Check with your water company to see what they offer.

Final thoughts

While we can’t control the price of water, we certainly can control how we use it.

By trying out these tips, not only will you save money, but you’ll also be contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way of living.