It’s scary to think that only a quarter of the world’s countries have safe drinking water. Water is something we take for granted. We turn on the tap, and clear, drinkable water comes out. We barely give it a second thought until something goes wrong or the water bill arrives. Lowering your water consumption is good for the planet, and it can also cut your water bills in half.
The average UK water bill is around £444 a year or £37 a month. But with some simple cost-saving ideas, you can shave some off that.
How Do You Pay For Your Water?
About 60% of UK households have a water meter, while the rest are on a fixed-price system. If your household water consumption is low, you could save a lot of money by having a meter installed. There is a handy calculator here that can work out how much you are likely to save with a meter or whether you would be better off staying on the old billing system.
Some utility companies will also give you a small discount on the bill for paying by direct debit. Monthly direct debit is the most convenient way for most people to pay, so the discount is a bonus.
Water-Saving Gadgets
Dual-flush toilets, water-efficient showerheads, and tap aerators can make a real difference in saving water. They work by reducing the flow of water without affecting water pressure, so you still get a powerful shower or a clean toilet while using less water. When it comes to upgrading your plumbing, opt for the latest water-saving, eco-friendly fittings.
Fix Leaks
A dripping tap isn’t just a nuisance; it’s pouring money down the drain. Evtinysmall leak can waste thousands of litres of water a year. Regularly check your taps, showerheads, and pipes for leaks, and fix them as soon as you notice a problem.
Be Smart with Your Garden
We love our gardens, but keeping them watered can raise water bills.
- Water early or late: Water your plants in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
- Use a watering can: A hosepipe can use up to 1,000 litres of water an hour. Switch to a watering can.
- Put in a water butt: Collect rainwater into use in your garden. It’s free, and plants prefer rainwater over tap water.
Shorten Your Shower
Shaving just a minute or two off your shower time can save a significant amount of water. If you’re feeling courageous, try a cold shower. It’s invigorating, great for your skin, and you’ll want to keep it short!
Full Loads Only To Cut Your Water Bills
When it comes to your washing machine and dishwasher, try to run them only with full loads. Half-empty cycles are wasteful and won’t save you any time. Modern machinery is good at adjusting water usage based on load size, but full loads are always more efficient.
Recruit the Household
Get everyone in your home to pitch in to save water. Simple actions like turning off the tap while brushing teeth or taking shorter showers add up when everyone joins in. Make it a family mission to reduce water usage, and maybe even turn it into a fun challenge.
Upgrade Your Appliances With Eco Models
When it’s time to replace your appliances, opt for water-efficient models. Look for those high-efficiency ratings—they may have a higher upfront cost, but the savings on your water (and energy) bills will make up for it over time. The new energy rating system introduced in 2021 rates appliances between an A and a G, with A being the most energy efficient.
Check Your Toilets
Toilets use a lot of household water. If you have an older flush model, consider upgrading to a more efficient dual flush one. If this isn’t possible, you can still save water by placing a water-filled plastic bottle in the cistern to reduce the amount used per flush.
Keep an Eye on Your Bill
Finally, monitor your water bill. Unexpected increases can indicate leaks or other issues. If your bill suddenly spikes, investigate immediately.
Water companies often have many handy hints and tips on their websites about how to save water. To find your local water supplier, use the postcode finder here.
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