Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert, has revealed four water bill hacks that could save UK households hundreds of pounds. Up to 5.7 million households are missing out on discounted water tariffs, which he describes as 'one of the biggest missing benefits in the country'. In a recent TikTok video, Lewis outlined four ways to cut water bills, including a meter switch that can save £600 to £700 annually.
Switch to a Water Meter
Lewis's first tip targets households where the number of bedrooms equals or exceeds the number of residents. Traditional water bills are based on property rateable value, while meters charge by usage. In a five-bedroom house with three people, switching to a meter is usually cheaper. He recommends using the Consumer Council for Water's free calculator to check savings. 'I get people who save £600 to £700 a year by switching to a water meter,' Lewis said. Customers who voluntarily switch can usually revert within two years, though policies vary. Water meters are free to install in England and Wales but not in Scotland.
Ask for an Assessed Charge
For those in flats with shared pipes where individual meters aren't feasible, Lewis suggests requesting an assessed charge. The water company calculates what the household would pay on a meter and applies that as a fixed charge. Customers can choose the lower of the rateable bill or assessed charge. 'It's the best of both worlds,' he said.
Cut Water Use with Free Devices
Lewis points to the Consumer Council for Water website for free water-saving devices, especially aerated showerheads. These mix air with water, maintaining pressure while reducing usage. Savings come from less water used (important for meter users) and less hot water heated, cutting energy bills. UK bathroom experts at Bathroom Fort say aerated showerheads can cut water use by 30 to 50 per cent without noticeable pressure drop. 'The big saving is on gas or electricity to heat water,' they note.
Check for Social Tariffs or Watersure
Lewis emphasized unclaimed water social tariffs as a major missed benefit, with 5.7 million eligible households not signing up. Each water company runs its own scheme, but broadly, low-income households can get bills cut by up to 90 per cent, with qualifying income under roughly £22,000. He also flagged Watersure, which caps bills for households on benefits with medical conditions (e.g., Crohn's disease) or three or more children. 'You could have a social tariff and Watersure. Nearly 6 million people missing out,' Lewis said.
The four tips don't all apply to every household—switching to a meter may not benefit those on a discounted social tariff. But for most UK households, at least one hack can lead to significant savings.
