# How to reduce your water bill in the UK > Bills & utilities · Last updated 4 July 2026 Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/water-bill-reduction-guide/ Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/water-bill-reduction-guide.md ## Quick answer Cut water bills by checking whether a free meter saves money, fixing leaks, installing water-efficient devices, using WaterSure if you are on benefits with high essential use, applying for social tariffs, and reducing garden hose use — unmetered rateable-value bills often overcharge small households. Water is the only utility you cannot switch supplier for — your regional monopoly sets charges. Savings come from choosing the right charging method, cutting use, and claiming help schemes. This guide focuses on practical reductions and complements our water meter comparison page without repeating it wholesale. ## Key facts - Water companies in England and Wales must fit meters free on request — trial periods often allow switching back within two years - A dripping tap can waste 5,500 litres a year; a leaking toilet can waste hundreds of litres daily unnoticed - WaterSure caps metered bills for qualifying benefit claimants with high essential water needs - Many water companies offer social tariffs reducing bills by 20%–50% for low-income households - Scottish Water and Northern Ireland have different charging — this guide focuses on England and Wales meter/unmetered choices ## Meter or unmetered — get the maths right Use your water company's online calculator with last year's meter reading if you have one, or estimate from UK average use (around 142 litres per person per day). Couples in large homes often save 30%–50% on meters; families with teenagers and a garden may pay more. If you switch to a meter and bills rise, many companies let you revert within 12–24 months. Mark the review date in your calendar. Assessed charges apply where metering is impractical — charges based on property size. You can sometimes request reassessment if occupancy changes. ## Usage cuts that show on the bill Shower timers and aerated showerheads cut hot water use — saving water and energy if you are metered. Full washing-machine loads, eco dishwasher cycles and turning off taps while brushing teeth are low-cost habits with measurable savings over a year. Garden: water butts for rainwater, mulch to retain soil moisture, and hosepipe restrictions in drought orders. A sprinkler can use 1,000 litres per hour. ## Leaks, appliances and hidden waste Check your water meter at night with all taps off — if digits move, you have a leak. Report supply-pipe leaks to your company; many repair external leaks free. Toilet leak test: add food colouring to the cistern; colour in the bowl without flushing means the valve leaks. Fixing it can save more than £200 a year on a meter. When replacing appliances, choose A-rated water efficiency. Old washing machines use nearly twice the water per load of modern models. ## Help schemes when bills are unaffordable WaterSure caps metered bills at the average for your company if you receive qualifying benefits and either have three or more children under 19 or a medical condition needing extra water. Apply through your water company. Social tariffs vary by company — Thames Water, Severn Trent, United Utilities and others offer reduced rates for low-income customers. Eligibility often follows Council Tax Reduction or Pension Credit. Water arrears are non-priority but companies can obtain county court judgments. Contact your company early — payment plans and hardship funds exist before debt escalates. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can tenants request a water meter? Yes in most cases — the company fits it free. Tell your landlord; they may prefer unmetered billing if they pay charges. If you pay water, metering usually benefits low-use tenants. ### Does WaterSure apply in Scotland? Scotland uses a different system through Scottish Water with limited metering. Check Scottish Water's assistance schemes rather than WaterSure. ### Will a water softener increase bills? Softeners use extra water during regeneration cycles. On a meter, factor this in — savings on soap and appliance life may still justify it. ## Primary source https://www.gov.uk/read-your-water-meter ## Related - [Water meter vs unmetered](https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/water-meter-vs-unmetered-charges/) - [WaterSure and bill help](https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/watersure-and-water-bill-help/) - [What is WaterSure?](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/what-is-watersure/) - [Bills & utilities hub](https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/) --- Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.