Published: 23 September 2008
Turn the tide on rising Household Bills
Many water customers will see the second water bill of the year arrive shortly and some water companies are already announcing that they would like to raise prices further.
However, there may be ways to reduce what seem to be ever growing household costs, says independent water watchdog, the Consumer Council for Water.
Customers without a water meter may be able to save money by having one installed. People who do not use much water and live in a larger home are most likely to benefit.
For example, a single person living alone in a property with an average rateable value could save around £100 by having a meter installed.
A water meter calculator is available on the Consumer Council for Water's website, where customers can work out if installing a meter could save them money.
Water companies install meters for free and customers who request a meter even have the option to revert to the old charges within the first 13 months if they find that the switch does not save any money.
Customers who think that they may save by switching to a water meter should contact their water company, even if they are in doubt that one can be installed.
If a property cannot be fitted with a meter, the water company should offer a charge that is more closely related to water use. This could be lower than their current charge which is based on the rateable value of the property.
Customers who already have a meter can cut their bill by taking simple steps to avoid wasting water they are paying for.
Fixing dripping taps, taking showers rather than baths, making sure that the dishwasher or washing machine is full before turning it on, and collecting rainwater for use in the garden are all great ways to be water efficient.
A household paying the average metered bill who reduce water waste by 10% could save around £25 per year on their water bill.
By cutting water usage through these easy steps, customers, especially families, could also see a drop in their energy bill, because energy is used to heat water for baths, showers, and washing clothes or dishes.
Dame Yve Buckland, Chair of the Consumer Council for Water, said:
"At a time when so many household bills are rising, people may be looking for ways to make every penny count. Taking five minutes to consider our money saving tips now could pay off in the long run."
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