Financial experts reveal three simple ways you can beat rising water bills
Households in England and Wales are bracing for a new rise in their water bills; The average increase of 5.4 percent is expected to be valid from April.
This latest increase, approved by regulator Ofwat at the end of January, will add an average of £33 to annual household costs.
This follows a significant increase of 20 per cent last year, when bills rose by an average of £86 per household.
The impending rise in water charges comes amid a wider environment of rising household spending, putting further pressure on personal finances.
Unlike other essential services, consumers have no choice but to look for a more affordable provider, according to home finance expert Greg Marsh, CEO of Nous.co.
“Unfortunately, unlike mobile phone providers, broadband or energy providers, there is nothing you can do to find a cheaper supplier,” Marsh explained.
He added: “Your water supplier is your water supplier and it’s a postcode lottery.”
While consumers routinely switch energy providers to secure better deals, the same strategy does not apply to water, leaving many wondering what options, if any, are available to mitigate these rising costs.
Install smart meter
If you have not yet installed a water meter, Marsh strongly recommends that you consider purchasing one by contacting your supplier.
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Terms and conditions apply.
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“Why would you want to do this? You might think I don’t want them to know exactly how much I use,” says Marsh. “But if your home has more bedrooms than people, get a smart meter—you’ll probably save money.”
Only 12 per cent of homes in England have smart water meters installed, according to the government’s Environment Agency.
Marsh adds: “Another benefit of having a smart meter is that you know you pay for exactly what you consume, which means if you want to reduce your water bills, for example by having smaller bathrooms or being careful about what settings you have for your washing machine, then you will benefit from these economies.”
See if you qualify for help
Anyone on benefits or earning below a certain amount “can access a social tariff from their current supplier, and that can cap or reduce your bill by up to 90 per cent if you’re on a really low income,” says Marsh.
Since each company has slightly different criteria, “it’s definitely worth talking to your supplier” to see if you qualify, he says.
Thames Water, for example, has the WaterHelp scheme. Those whose bills are more than 5 percent of their net income are eligible (this also depends on the number of people in your household) and can get a 50 percent discount on their water bill.
From Northumbrian Water, you qualify if your total household income is £30,000 and your annual water and sewerage bill is more than 4 per cent of your net household income (after housing costs, rent or mortgage payments), or if someone in your household receives Pension Credit and your annual water and sewerage bill is 4 per cent or more of your net household income.
Those who qualify may see their water bills reduced by up to 50 percent.
Similarly, Southern Water has multiple plans for those struggling with their bills; check online to see what will work for you.
In conclusion, Southern Water’s affordability and vulnerability lead, Nicky Chitty, says: “There are so many things we can do to help people. My main message to someone who needs support is to reach out to their supplier, whoever they are. There will be support there for them.”
Reduce water usage
While it’s “not always a fun answer,” reducing your water usage “is the obvious answer” to reducing bills, especially if you use a smart meter, says Marsh.
“Small behavior changes” can make a big impact because “every drop makes a difference,” according to Daniel Lintell, sustainability manager at Triton Rains.
“Showering probably accounts for a quarter of a typical home’s water use,” he says. “So showering more efficiently will reduce your water consumption – and one of the key additional benefits of reducing your water use while showering is that you will significantly reduce your energy costs,” because you don’t need to heat as much water.
While shorter showers will make a difference, there are other things you can do, says Lintell; for example, not running your shower for a long time to “warm up” before getting in the shower.
“You don’t need to run it for minutes and minutes and minutes; it’s a waste of time, a waste of energy, a waste of water.”
She adds: “If you have a shower faucet, consider pausing your shower while you shampoo. Many people wet their hair, put in the shampoo, walk away, and leave the shower on.”
You may also consider investing in a flow regulator to reduce the flow rate of your shower and thus use less water. “In terms of experience, you probably won’t notice the difference,” says Lintell.
Apart from the shower, Lintell recommends using Eco mode on devices such as a dishwasher or washing machine.
“That’s what they’re there for. Engineers have spent years developing them, caring and optimizing every last drop, so let the machine do the work for you.”
