How to reduce your water bill

Ever wondered how your water bill is actually calculated? It can sometimes feel a bit confusing, but understanding the basics is the first step to finding ways to save. 

Your bill is worked out in one of two main ways:

• By measuring the water you use with a meter 

• By using the rateable value of your property if you don’t have a meter

If you have a meter (common in homes built since 1990), you pay for what you use plus a standing charge. Otherwise, your charge is typically based on your house’s rateable value. Knowing which one applies to you is key to finding potential savings.

Water UK has said that for 2025/2026, average water bills for the next year are predicted to be £603, which is a rise of £123 or 26%. That’s why, now more than ever, you might be looking for ways to save.

With a water meter, you only pay for the water you use, not a fixed amount. For some people, having a water meter can help them save money, especially if you don’t tend to use a lot of water in your home.

Many water companies offer free water-saving devices that can make a big difference to your water usage. These might include items like shower heads and tap inserts that better control water flow, water saving devices for your toilet cistern, and cheaper water butts. These gadgets are easy to install and don’t require major changes to your routine, but over time, they may reduce your water bill. 

Each water company has a social tariff scheme, meaning you could get more support if you’re eligible, such as discounts on your water bills. 

The WaterSure scheme helps some people in England with their water bills, as well as some people in Wales who get their water from Welsh Water. 

You might be eligible for this scheme if you’re on benefits, and use a lot of water because of a medical condition or if you have three or more school-aged children in full-time education. You’ll also need to be on a water meter, or live somewhere where a water meter can’t be fitted.

If you’re approved for support, there’s a limit on how much you’ll be charged for your water. This means your bill won’t be higher than the average for a typical metered household in your local area. 

You might find that your usual water bill is already lower than this cap. If that’s the case, you’ll just continue to pay based on how much water you use. Contact your water supplier to see if you’re eligible.

Use a water butt or rain barrel to collect rainwater. This water can then be used for gardening, washing your car or any other outdoor tasks. You could buy a water butt, or make one yourself to save some cash using a container you already have.

Although washing clothes on a hot setting can remove smells and bacteria, it can actually make your clothes deteriorate quicker, as well as use more energy if done regularly. If you opt for an eco cycle on a cooler temperature setting, this’ll likely use less water, as well as be kinder to your electricity bill. Another great tip to reduce your water bill is to only run your washing machine or dishwasher when it’s full.

Surface water is what’s collected from your drains and gutters, and this is included in your water bill as a sewage charge. Did you know that if no surface water from your home goes into a public sewer, you might be eligible for a refund? 

Before you claim a rebate, check where your surface water drains to. If you think it doesn’t go to a public sewer, ask your water company for an application form to apply for a refund. They might ask you to include a plan of your home in the application. If your application is accepted, you may get backdated payments and you won’t be charged for future surface water drainage payments in your bill.

Changing your habits could have a big impact on your final metered water bill. 

• Check for leaks. Even if it’s a small drip from a leaky toilet, this can waste lots of water. Check your sinks, showers and toilets for any leaks, and get them fixed if you can.

• Use a washing-up bowl. Rather than washing your dishes under a tap, use a washing-up bowl to save on running water.

• Shorten your showers. According to the Consumer Council for Water, if a family of four shortened their shower time by two minutes, they could save £210 per year on water and energy costs.

If you’re struggling to pay your water bills, it’s important you contact your water company as soon as you can to discuss options that may be available to you. 

If you’re disabled or vulnerable, you might also be eligible for thepriority services register, a free support system run by energy and water companies. It can help with things like making your bills more accessible, giving you advance notice of your water supply being cut off and delivering bottled water to you, and communicating with a family member if you struggle to pay your bills on your own.