Water bills in the UK have jumped sharply. According to Water UK, the average household is now paying £603 a year, up 26% from the previous year, driven by a £104 billion infrastructure investment across the water sector. In some regions it’s even higher, with Southern Water customers averaging £703.

It’s a significant hit to the household budget. But there are genuine ways to reduce what you pay, some of which cost nothing at all and can save you well over £100 a year.

Switch to a water meter (it’s free, and you can always switch back)

This is the single biggest potential saving for many households, and one of the most overlooked.

If you don’t have a water meter, you’re paying a fixed charge based on your property’s old rateable value, not how much water you actually use. Multiple water companies report that the average person saves around £100 a year after making the switch, and some households save considerably more.

The simple rule of thumb is that if your home has more bedrooms than people living in it, you’ll almost certainly pay less on a meter. Two people in a three-bedroom house is a classic example.

To get a proper estimate, the Consumer Council for Water has a free calculator that works out what you’d likely pay. If it looks like a saving, contact your water company to request one. Installation is free in England and Wales, and your supplier must fit it within three months of your request.

If it turns out your bills go up rather than down, Citizens Advice confirms you can switch back to unmetered billing within 24 months. There’s genuinely no risk in trying.

Fix your toilet first. A silent leak can cost hundreds.

Once you’re on a meter, leaks start costing you directly. The most expensive one in most homes is the toilet.

A faulty cistern valve can waste between 215 and 400 litres of water per day, according to Water UK research. Most people guess it wastes less than 50 litres. The gap between perception and reality is huge, and it shows up on your bill.

To check if your toilet is leaking, put a strip of dry toilet paper against the back of the bowl before you go to bed. If it’s damp in the morning, water is trickling through and you have a leak. A replacement cistern valve costs under £20 from any hardware shop and is straightforward to fit yourself. If the problem is more involved, a drain repair specialist can identify whether there’s a wider issue with the pipework behind the wall.

A dripping tap is worth fixing too. Even a slow drip can waste thousands of litres over a year, and a new washer takes minutes to replace.

Small daily changes that actually add up

Each person in the UK uses around 142 litres of water per day, according to Water UK. Most of us dramatically underestimate this. A family of four gets through roughly 500 litres a day, which is more than six full baths’ worth.

Here are the changes that make a real difference.

Take shorter showers instead of baths. A full bath uses around 80 litres. A four-minute shower under a standard showerhead uses roughly 32 litres. For a household of four swapping one bath a week for a short shower, that’s over 2,000 litres saved every month.

Turn the tap off while brushing your teeth. Leaving it running uses around 12 litres per session, per the Consumer Council for Water. For a family of four brushing twice a day, that’s close to 35,000 litres going down the drain each year for no reason.

Use eco settings on your appliances. Modern dishwashers and washing machines use significantly less water on eco programmes. Running full loads rather than half-empty ones also makes a real difference.

Ask your water company for a free water-saving kit. Most suppliers will send out free devices including aerated showerheads and tap inserts that reduce flow without noticeably affecting pressure. Check your water company’s website to request one.

Get a water butt for the garden. Hosing down a car or watering plants through a garden hose uses hundreds of litres per session. A water butt collects free rainwater and costs as little as £20 to buy.

Check if you qualify for a cheaper tariff

Low income households and those on benefits may be paying significantly more than they need to. There are several official schemes worth checking.

Social tariffs

Most water companies offer a reduced rate for customers on low incomes or certain benefits. Eligibility varies by supplier, so the best approach is to call your water company directly and ask. The Consumer Council for Water has a guide showing which tariffs each company offers.

WaterSure

This government scheme caps your metered water bill at the average metered rate for your region. Around 260,000 households saved an average of £325 each in 2024/25 through the scheme. To qualify, you need to be on a meter and receiving a qualifying benefit such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or income-based JSA or ESA. You also need high essential water use, either because you have three or more children under 19 at home, or because someone in the household has a medical condition requiring extra water use. Apply through your water company’s website or by phone.

Single occupier tariff

If you live alone and don’t have a meter, ask your supplier about a fixed single occupier tariff. It’s a cheaper rate specifically for one-person households and is available on request.

Help for older and disabled customers

If you receive Pension Credit or your State Pension is your only income, Citizens Advice notes you may be entitled to a discount. Customers receiving PIP or other disability benefits may also qualify for social tariff support, so it’s always worth asking your supplier directly.

What if you genuinely can’t pay?

Your water company cannot legally cut off your supply. If you’re struggling, contact your supplier as soon as possible. They’re required to work with you on an affordable payment plan. Ignoring the situation can lead to court action or deductions from benefits, so early contact makes a real difference.

A quick summary of the best steps to take

Getting a free water meter is usually the single biggest win if your home has more bedrooms than people. Beyond that, fixing toilet leaks, turning off taps while brushing teeth, and checking whether you qualify for WaterSure or a social tariff are all things you can do this week without spending anything.

If you notice that fixing a leak leads to a drop in water pressure or slow draining, that can sometimes point to a wider drainage issue. The team at Drainage Blast offer round-the-clock toilet unblocking and drain repair services across London if you need a professional to take a look.

FAQs

How much can I save by getting a water meter?

The average saving is around £100 a year, though households with more bedrooms than people often save more. Some single occupiers in larger properties save several hundred pounds. You can use the Consumer Council for Water’s calculator to get a personalised estimate before committing.

Can I get a water meter fitted if I’m renting?

Yes. If your name is on the water bill, you have the right to request a meter regardless of whether you own the property. For short fixed-term tenancies you may need your landlord’s permission, but in most cases tenants can apply directly to the water company.

What is the WaterSure scheme and how do I apply?

WaterSure caps your metered water bill at the average rate for your area. You need to be on benefits and have high essential water use, either three or more children under 19 at home, or a medical condition that requires extra water. Apply directly through your water company’s website with proof of your qualifying benefit.

How do I know if my toilet is leaking?

Place a piece of dry toilet paper against the inside back of the bowl before bed. If it’s damp in the morning, your cistern is leaking. A replacement valve costs under £20 and is easy to fit yourself. If the issue persists or you notice slow drainage elsewhere, it may be worth having a drainage professional inspect the pipework.

Will water bills keep going up?

Bills rose 26% in 2025. Ofwat confirmed a further 5.4% rise for 2026/27, smaller than the previous year but still an increase. With £104 billion of investment planned through to 2030, further gradual rises are expected over that period.