Water bills are increasing once again as water companies are citing the need for costly infrastructure improvements, passing the expenses on to customers. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally allowed five water companies in England – Anglian, South East, Northumbrian, Southern, and Wessex – to raise their prices by up to 5% beyond the previously capped 36% increase.
To save money on water bills, consider installing various gadgets in your home to reduce water usage, such as shower timers and tap attachments that aerate and enhance water pressure. Many of these water-saving devices are available for free to households in the UK, including cistern blocks and shower timers, and discounts on water butts may also be claimed.
Save Water Save Money, a nationwide program that is not means-tested, offers free water-saving gadgets tailored to your household after completing a brief questionnaire. By adopting simple water-saving practices like turning off the tap while brushing teeth or using a dishwasher instead of handwashing, significant savings can be achieved.
Installing a water meter can potentially save hundreds of pounds annually by accurately billing for actual water usage rather than estimates based on household size. Certain households, such as single individuals or couples, may benefit more from water meters than larger families. In cases where a water meter cannot be installed, water companies must offer alternative cost-saving options like single occupancy tariffs. Low-income households with high water usage due to specific circumstances can seek assistance through schemes like WaterSure.
To qualify for water bill assistance, individuals must be on a water meter, awaiting installation, or paying an assessed charge if a meter cannot be fitted. Conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and certain disabilities may also make households eligible for support. Large households with three or more children under 19 in full-time education and low-income families receiving means-tested benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit may also qualify for assistance.
