5 Ways to Reduce Your Water Bill

The average annual water bill in the UK for 2025-2026 is forecast to be £603 according to Water UK. If you’re looking to improve your finances, reducing the cost of your water bill is worth some consideration.

Most people don’t think that they can reduce the cost of the water they use – but there are some things you can do to conserve water and reduce your water bill.

Unlike your energy provider, you can’t switch to a cheaper water provider to reduce your bills. But you can do your bit to reduce your water usage and apply for the financial support that’s available to you.

woman lying on bathtub filled with water

How to Reduce Your Water Bill

Reduce your water use

Reducing your water consumption will cut your water bill (if you’re on a water meter), reduce your energy consumption, as well as reducing the impact on the environment. Here are some easy changes you can make to save water and reduce your water bill:

  • Fix leaking taps and toilets
  • Replace inefficient shower heads with a water efficient ones
  • Turn the tap off when you’re brushing your teeth
  • Don’t flush anything that isn’t meant to be flushed
  • Make sure that dishwashers and washing machines are full before use
  • Use a bowl to wash up rather than a running tap
  • Use the most efficient water and energy settings on your appliances
  • Install tap aerators (to reduce water flow)

By making small changes in your daily routines and investing in water-efficient technologies, you can significantly decrease your water usage.

Consider switching to a water meter

There are two ways to pay your water bill; you either pay a set price (based on your household) or you have a water meter (and pay for water you use). If you’re not sure how you pay, you should be able to find out from your bill or water provider.

If you pay a set price you could save money by switching to a water meter. Getting a water meter fitted is free and could save you around £100 per year. To see if switching to a water meter is likely to save you money, use a water usage calculator. You can use the calculator on the Consumer Council for Water website.

It’s important to note that when you switch to a water meter you might not be able to switch back to paying a set rate.

The WaterSure scheme

The WaterSure scheme enables water suppliers to cap bills for low income customers that have a high water usage for essential family or health reasons. To qualify for a capped bill under the WaterSure Scheme you (or someone in your household) must receive of one of the following benefits:

  • universal credit
  • housing benefit
  • income support
  • income-based jobseeker’s allowance
  • income-related employment and support allowance
  • working tax credit
  • the child tax credit (except families in receipt of the family element only)
  • pension credit

If your household receives one of the benefits mentioned above and have a medical condition that results in an increased use of water then your next step should be to apply for the scheme.

To check your eligibility for Watersure you will need to contact your water company for an application form. Water company contact details can be found by clicking through the CCW website.

Free water-saving gadgets

The SaveWaterSaveMoney may be able to offer you some free water saving gadgets to help you reduce your energy bill. Many water suppliers offer:

  • Free water-saving gadgets (showerheads, tap inserts)
  • Leak detections services
  • Water efficiency audits

You can order free water saving shower heads, save-a-flush bag, shower timers, tap water saving devices and more. Choose up to 8 free water saving devices. Just enter your postcode to see what you’re entitled to.

Use someone elses water

Using facilities like showers at the gym or work can help to reduce your household water bill. Incorporating a new habit of showing at the gym (especially when you’re already paying for the privilege of your gym’s facilities) and filling up your water bottle a few times a week can have a big impact on your bill over time.

Just make sure to be considerate with your usage.

What to do if you can’t pay your water bill

If you find yourself unable to pay your water bills your first step is to talk to your supplier. Most water companies can offer flexible payment plans or ‘payment holidays’ to help customers through short term financial difficulties. Contact your water company directly to discuss available options.

Contact your water company, and offer an amount you can pay based on your water usage and what you can afford. The company should be sensitive and take into account your ability to pay.

More Ways to Save Money

My Most Recommended Money Saving Tools

7 Things I’ve Done This Year To Save Money

Money Swaps: Simple Swaps to Save Money

How to Budget Better

6 Ways To Reduce Your Monthly Bills

I hope that you’ve found something useful from this post. I’d love to know what water saving freebies you’ve applied for or whether you’ve looked into switching to a water meter. Let me know in the comments below.

[mailerlite_form form_id=1]