Water bills are set to rise from April, with households in England and Wales facing an average increase of £10 per month and an annual rise estimated at around £123 (26%).
Depending on your provider, some customers are looking at staggering hikes of 30% or more. Water companies are pledging extra investment in infrastructure (and face rising costs themselves), but for many, this simply means tighter budgets and higher outgoings.
The good news is there are plenty of easy and effective ways to reduce your water usage without resorting to military-style showers.
From simple DIY fixes to clever home habits, these expert-backed tips will help you keep your bill in check.
Check if you qualify for a free water-saving kit
Many UK water companies offer their customers free water-saving kits, which feature tap inserts, shower aerators, and save-a-flush devices for toilets.
According to Adam Clark, founder of My Local Toolbox, these gadgets can be installed without hiring a plumber and make a noticeable difference in your consumption.
Fix leaky taps and running toilets
A dripping tap might seem insignificant, but over time, it can waste up to half a bath’s worth of water every week. Worse still, a running toilet can silently drain thousands of litres a year. “They’re an easy fix for a plumber or a competent DIY’er,” he says.
Collect and reuse water
Why let perfectly good water go to waste? Jess Thomas, managing director of Drainage Central, suggests collecting rainwater in a water butt for watering plants. "You can also use leftover cooking water (provided there is no salt added) or collect water from the tap while you are waiting for it to run hot," he advises.
Adjust your stopcock to lower water pressure
Turning your stopcock slightly can reduce the water pressure from your taps and shower without noticeable changes to performance. Less pressure means less water usage — and less money wasted.
Swap baths for showers (or go shallow)
Showers use a third of the water of a full bath. “If you still prefer a bath, just avoid filling it all the way to the top," Jess adds.
Turn off taps while brushing your teeth
This small habit can save litres of water every day. The same applies when shaving or washing dishes — fill a bowl instead of running the tap continuously.
Only run full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher
Running a half-empty dishwasher or washing machine wastes both water and energy. Wait until it’s full to get the most efficiency per cycle.
Use a kettle wisely
Boiling more water than you need is wasteful. “Fill your cup first, then pour that exact amount into the kettle,” Jess adds. Some kettles even have a ‘one cup’ function to help reduce waste.
Install low-flow aerators
Aerators can be fitted onto taps to mix air with water, reducing flow without affecting pressure. “They’re a small investment that pays off quickly," Jess explains.
Consider switching to a water meter
Not everyone benefits from a water meter, but if you have more bedrooms than people in your home, you could save money by paying for what you use rather than a fixed rate.
With water bills set to soar, every drop saved makes a difference. By making a few mindful changes, you can cut costs while also doing your bit for the environment.
9 blankets with sleeves to keep you warm and cosy
This original Oodie blanket in navy blue has a soft flannel fleece on the outside and warm sherpa fleece on the inside. Ideal for keeping warm when the temperatures tumble, it's an investment buy that will last you year after year.
Feel the cold easily? This super soft heated throw from Lakeland boasts long sleeves, a cosy pouch and three temperature settings to keep you warm. Perfect for curling up on the sofa on chilly evenings.
Curl up on a cold night with The White Company's extra cosy blanket with sleeves. With an all-over fuzzy texture and large kangaroo pocket, it's a great layering piece for when the temperature drops.
Snuggling up (and staying warm) just got easier thanks to John Lewis' oversized lounge hoodie in grey. Made from thermal fleece to give a softer and luxurious feel, it has a snug hooded neckline and long arms.
The best thing about this blanket with sleeves is that it comes with a foot pocket. Created to help you stay snug and cosy, it is also supersized and cleverly transforms into a cushion once you've finished wearing it.
This hooded blanket will keep you extra cosy this winter. Available to buy for just £18, it comes in one size and features a pink dotty design.
Working from home? Don't sit down at your desk without this long wearable blanket with sleeves. Features include a large front pocket, roomy sleeves for extra flexibility and its neck-to-toe coverage thanks to its 17o-200cm measurement.
Keep warm on a winter's day with this fleece from M&S. Complete with a fluffy hood and deep pocket, it cleverly traps in body heat, allowing you to stay cosy while turning down the heating.
You essentially get two different styles for the price of one with this reversible option from B&Q. One side is a sweet pink colour, while the other side is a cosy off-white hue.
