According to Water UK, the average water bill for UK families is £408 per year in 2021/22.
Instead of waiting for water companies to drop their prices, there are some things you can do to reduce your expenditures. We’ve compiled a list of cost-cutting tips to help you figure out how to lower your water costs, as well as a few other methods to save money and be more energy-efficient at home.
1. Install a water meter
Installing a water meter is the first step to lowering your water bills. They function similarly to a gas or electric meter in that you are only charged for the water you use rather than a predicted total for the year. According to the Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat), up to 40% of residents in the UK have a water metre placed in their house. They also predict that depending on your use levels, you can save between £50 and £100, or potentially even more.
2. Fix any leaks or dripping taps
A leaky tap at home, no matter how irritating, can quickly fade into the background and be easily forgotten. You might not realise it, but each and every drip adds to your water bill. While hiring a plumber may seem like an unnecessary cost at first, it is likely to save you money in the long term. This also applies to any leaks you may have around the house; have them addressed as soon as possible to prevent adding extra charges to your monthly bills.
3. Limit your washing machine usage
Not only are you helping the environment by reducing energy consumption by using the washing machine less frequently, but it’s also a great way to save money on your water bill. We all fall into habits and routines that are difficult to break, but limiting the number of washes by increasing the wash loads can save you money in the long term.
4. Take showers instead of baths
Washing, bathing, and brushing your teeth increase your household’s water use. A running tap can release up to 6 litres of water in just 60 seconds.
Most bathtubs can store up to 80 litres of water, but an 8-minute shower with a traditional electric shower will use roughly 62 litres. In terms of monetary value, this costs approximately 30p, and these small amounts all add up. Power showers, on the other hand, should be avoided because they may easily double the quantity of water used.
5. Brush your teeth without running water
Many people brush their teeth while leaving the tap running, unaware that they are potentially increasing their water expenses. It’s typically a time-saving habit so that the toothbrush can be rinsed right away, but we can all afford to waste the one second it takes to turn the tap back on, especially if it can save you a lot of money over the course of a year.
6. Use a washing up bowl
Using a washing up bowl instead of a running tap to wash dishes (if you don’t have a dishwasher) is a far more cost-effective solution. As they are small enough to fit in a sink, you will use less water when doing the dishes. You can wash away soap suds from your dishes outside of the bowl so they can dry without having to re-immerse them in the water you just used to clean them.
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