3 quick wins
- Check whether the bill is metered, unmetered or included in another household charge.
- In England and Wales, ask your water company about social tariffs and bill support.
- Check for avoidable leaks and consider a meter estimate before changing how you are charged.
Check the charging system first
- England and Wales: household water and sewerage services are generally location-based; this is not a normal retail supplier-switching comparison. CCW provides household advice for these nations.
- Scotland: most homes pay water and waste-water charges alongside Council Tax. Ask your council or Scottish Water about the applicable charges and help.
- Northern Ireland: do not apply English metering or social-tariff examples to domestic rates. Check your rates bill and official local arrangements before assuming a separate water bill can be reduced.
Could a water meter help?
- Use CCW’s water meter calculator with your household size, current bill, company and usage. Its result is an estimate, not a promised future charge.
- A household using little water may pay less on a meter; a high-use household could pay more. Include sewerage and standing charges in the comparison.
- Ask the company about installation, trial or return options, assessed charges and any tenancy permission needed. Confirm the conditions before switching.
- Illustrative example: £600 a year falling to an estimated £450 is £150 less, but only if the assumptions match actual metered use and all charges. These are not company tariffs.
Ask about support and eligibility
- CCW says water-company social tariffs in England and Wales offer reduced bills for eligible low-income customers. Criteria and support vary; contact your company.
- WaterSure has specific criteria involving qualifying benefits, a meter and high essential water use, such as qualifying family or medical circumstances. Do not assume everyone on benefits qualifies.
- Ask about debt support, hardship funds or an affordable payment plan where appropriate. No grant or write-off is guaranteed.
Reduce avoidable use without cutting hygiene
- Turn off unnecessary running taps, use suitable full appliance loads and report or repair leaks appropriately.
- Check for a leaking toilet or unexpected meter movement, but ask a plumber or supplier if you cannot safely identify the cause.
- Do not restrict drinking, hygiene or medically necessary water use. A home with higher essential use should ask about support instead.
Keep the saving realistic
- Using less water usually reduces the usage part of a metered bill, not every fixed charge. On an unmetered bill it may not reduce the water bill directly.
- Avoidable hot-water use can also affect energy use, but do not alter stored hot-water temperatures without qualified advice.
- Check the next bill and report household or income changes that affect any support award.
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming installing a meter always lowers the bill.
- Applying England and Wales schemes to every UK nation.
- Reducing necessary drinking water, hygiene or safe hot-water storage.
Check all household bill savings →
More helpful guides
- Council Tax and water-charge differences
- Gas and hot-water safety
- Appliance and electricity costs
- Compare electricity tariff information
- All money-saving tips
These are general tips, not financial advice. Always check prices and terms with the provider before you buy.
Sources and review
Written by CompareDirect. Worked examples are illustrative, not live deals or guaranteed savings. Check the relevant supplier, council or adviser for your circumstances.
- CCW: help with water bills (England and Wales)
- CCW: water meter calculator
- mygov.scot: Council Tax in Scotland
- nidirect: applying for Rate Rebate
Content reviewed: . Linked guidance checked; provider prices and personal eligibility are not verified by these examples.