Water bills are once again seeing an increase due to the need for water companies to upgrade their infrastructure, resulting in higher costs for customers. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally approved price hikes of up to 5% for five water companies in England – Anglian, South East, Northumbrian, Southern, and Wessex, exceeding the previous cap of a 36% increase.
To save money on water bills, consider installing various water-saving gadgets in your home, such as shower timers and tap attachments that reduce water usage. Many of these items can be claimed for free, including cistern blocks and shower timers. The “Save Water Save Money” national scheme offers free water-saving gadgets through a simple questionnaire.
Efforts to reduce water usage can lead to significant savings. Simple actions like reusing bath water for plants or minimizing laundry loads can make a substantial difference. Installing a water meter can also result in substantial savings by charging based on actual water usage rather than estimates.
Households can explore different strategies to lower their water bills, such as turning off taps when not in use or utilizing water-efficient appliances. Installing a water meter can lead to substantial savings, especially for single individuals or couples. In cases where a water meter is not feasible, alternative tariffs or assistance programs, like WaterSure for low-income households with specific medical conditions or large families, can provide relief on water bills.