With the average water bill in the UK nearly £400, it’s no surprise that households are looking to cut their costs. Find out how to manage your water bills, reduce water consumption and save money.

Is it worth switching to a water meter?

Step one - work out how you’re paying

There are two ways you can pay your water bill.

• You pay a set price per year - this is called rateable billing. How much you pay depends on your home – you can read more on the United Utilities website
• You have a water meter - this means you pay for the water you use.

If you’re not sure how you pay, you’ll be able to find out on your bill. Generally speaking, the bigger your home and the fewer people that live in it, the more likely you are to save money with a water meter.

Step two - work out if it’s worth switching

If you’re on rateable billing, you can choose to get a water meter instead. This can be cheaper, but it isn’t always. To see if it’s right for you, use a water usage calculator. You can use the calculator on the Consumer Council for Water website.

You’ll just need to estimate a few details about your water use – like how often you flush the loo – and it’ll show how much you could save compared to your current rateable bill.

If your water use changes – maybe if your children leave home or you buy a washing machine – you might want to try the calculator again.

Tips for using less water

Once you have a water meter, depending on your supplier you might not be able to switch back to rateable billing, even if you think it would be cheaper.

In that case, you can save a lot by reducing your water use.

And, as an added bonus, you’ll save on the oil, gas or electricity it takes to heat the water.

Pick up some free water-saving gadgets

If you’re on a water meter and looking to save water, there are free gadgets available to help you save. Check the CCWater website and find your water company to see what you’re entitled to.

Struggling to pay your water bill?

If your income has been affected by coronavirus and you’re worried about your future financial security, you might be anxious about not being able to pay your water bill or falling into arrears.

While your supplier can’t turn off your water supply if you miss payments, they can use court action to enforce repayment.

However, there is help out there for you. Contact your water provider as soon as you think you might struggle and ask for support.

What should I do if I’ve missed payments on my water bill?

It’s important to pay – and not ignore – your water bill. Your water provider can’t turn off your water supply, but they will take action if you miss payments.

If you’ve missed more than one payment or are juggling other debts, it’s important you pay them off in the right order as some are more urgent and some lenders have more power than others.