We’re all trying to save money on household costs at the moment.
You can’t switch water supplier, so you might think there's nothing you can do to save on water bills.
But you could save on your water costs by getting a meter fitted.
A water meter makes sure you’re only paying for what you use.
It can help you save money if you use a relatively small amount of water each month. But for others, a fixed tariff will be more cost-effective.
Let’s take a look at what a water meter is, if it’s right for you and how you can get one fitted.
What are the different ways to pay for water?
There are two ways you can pay for water: with a fixed tariff or a water meter.
1. A fixed tariff
Fixed water tariffs are based on your home’s rateable value.
Rateable values aren’t really used much anymore, but it was how properties used to be valued back in the day. It's based on things like the size and location of your home.
There’s no way to change your rateable value, so your fixed water tariff will always be the same – regardless of how much water you use.
2. A water meter
A water meter means you’re charged for how much water you actually use.
Like a gas or electricity meter, the device measures the amount of water you use each month.
It feeds the reading back to your supplier so they can bill you for the exact amount.
Could a water meter save you money?
It all depends on how much water you use.
A good rule of thumb is to compare the number of bedrooms in your house to the number of people that live there.
If you have fewer people than bedrooms (or the same number), a water meter could save you a few quid each month.
So it’s a good shout if there’s two or three of you living in a three bedroom house.
But if there’s four or five of you in a three bedroom house, you might be better off on the fixed tariff.
Still not sure if it’s best for you? Check out this water usage calculator from the Consumer Council for Water to see if a water meter will save you money.
The pros and cons of a water meter
Pros
It can save you money if you don’t use much water
If you’re using a relatively small amount of water, a meter will bring your bill down.
It can help the environment
Water meters tend to make us more aware of the amount of water we’re using.
By using less water, you can help cut the greenhouse gases that are released from collecting, treating and supplying water.
It’s free to install and you can switch back if it doesn’t work out
In most cases, water suppliers will fit a meter for free.
Plus, you usually have up to a year to switch back to a fixed tariff if you’re not saving money.
Cons
It’s not worth it if you use a lot of water
If you use a lot of water, a fixed tariff might save you more money than a meter.
You might end up paying for leaks
Unnoticed leaks in your home will get added to your bill when you're on a water meter.
You'll need to stay on top of your appliances and pipes and make sure you're not missing any leaks.
Your bill can change
A changing bill can make it harder to budget each month.
How do you get a water meter fitted?
In most cases, your supplier will fit your water meter for free.
They’re usually pretty quick too, and should install it within three months of your request.
You just need to get in touch with your water supplier to ask for one. Sometimes you can apply on their website, or you might need to give them a call.
You can find your water supplier on the Water UK website.
Can you get a water meter fitted if you rent your home?
You can ask your supplier for a water meter if your tenancy agreement is for six months or longer.
It’s a good idea to tell your landlord you’re going to get a water meter fitted. Most suppliers will ask for their name when they fit the meter.
If you have a fixed term tenancy of less than six months, you'll need your landlord's permission to get a water meter.
6 ways to save money with a water meter
If you’re only being charged for what you use, there are lots of ways to save on your water bill.
Here are our top ways to save money when you have a water meter.
1. Get free water-saving products
Water suppliers sometimes offer free products to help you save water.
They include things like efficient shower heads, toilet cistern bags, shower regulators and leaky loo strips. You might even be able to get a subsidised water butt.
Find water-saving products from your supplier
2. Take the plunge with a water butt
A water butt is an excellent way to save money on water. On average, you can fill a standard water butt 300 times in a year.
Water butts are hooked into a gutter downpipe to collect rainwater. You can then use it to water plants, wash your car or clean your windows.
They come in all shapes and sizes, so you can get one even if you have a small garden or balcony.
3. Save up your dirty dishes and clothes
We don't mean for days on end.
Just make sure your dishwasher and washing machine are fully loaded before you turn them on.
And check if T-shirts, trousers and jumpers really need that space in the next wash. Could they go back in the drawer for another wear first?
4. Choose the watering can over the hosepipe
A hosepipe left running can use up to 1,000 litres of water an hour. A watering can is a much more environmentally and budget-friendly choice.
And make sure it’s not too hot when you water your plants, otherwise the water will evaporate straight away.
5. Water your plants with waste water
Want to go a step further? Find ways to reuse water to give to your plants.
If you’re washing fruit and vegetables or rinsing a glass, collect the water with a washing up bowl.
You can even cool the cooking water from pasta, rice or veg to feed your plants.
6. Keep drinking water in the fridge
Ever find your tap takes a while to run cold? This can add up to a lot of wasted water.
Instead, keep a jug of water in the fridge so it’s always the perfect drinking temperature.
7. Keep your showers short and sweet
We all know that a shower saves more water than a bath. But any longer than 15 minutes in the shower and you’ve used the same amount.
Set a timer and keep your showers short and sweet to save both water and money.
8. Turn off the taps
A running tap uses a surprising amount of water. In fact, it can be up to nine litres of water a minute.
Whether you're brushing your teeth, shaving or rinsing some dishes, turn the tap off wherever you can.
9. Use a toilet cistern bag
It might not sound particularly glamorous, but a toilet cistern bag can help you save water without even trying.
A toilet cistern bag collects some of the waste water when you flush the toilet. You can save up to six litres of water every time you flush.
11. Use the bin instead of the toilet
We're not saying for *everything*.
But with every unnecessary flush, you're saying goodbye to another few litres of water.
So if you blow your nose, chuck the tissue in the bin instead of the toilet.
10. Check for leaks
Give your kitchen pipes, dishwasher and washing machine a health check every now and again. You might be paying for slow leaks that you didn't even know were there.
And find out where your household stop valve is. Make sure you can turn it on and off so you can cut the flow if you ever have a burst pipe.
How does a water meter impact the value of your home?
Cost-saving and energy efficient home improvements are super important to homer buyers at the moment.
They want to know that they can help the environment and their wallets with their next home.
So if a water meter's saved you water and money, it's worth highlighting to potential buyers.
It'll save them having to get one fitted and show that your home could help them save on household costs.
However, keep in mind that buyers will be stuck with the meter once you've had one fitted. So weigh up whether it's likely to be a benefit based on the number of people who are moving in.