Cutting water bills this summer: meters, leaks and WaterSure
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Garden hose use spikes summer meter readings. Fix leaks, trial a free meter, and check WaterSure or social tariffs if you are on benefits with high essential water needs.
By Money Guide editorial team
Published:
A sprinkler can use 1,000 litres per hour — costly on a meter. Water butts and evening watering reduce evaporation waste.
Check your meter at night with all taps off. A leaking toilet silently wastes hundreds of litres daily; dye tests in the cistern reveal valve faults.
Couples in large homes often save 30%–50% by switching from unmetered rateable-value bills. Companies must fit meters free in England and Wales; many allow reverting within two years if bills rise.
WaterSure caps bills for qualifying benefit claimants with three or more children or medical conditions needing extra water.
See our water bill reduction guide and water meter comparison page.