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Use less water

Did you know that your water use contributes to your energy bills? Find out how to save water at home, cut your energy use and, if you’re on a water meter, lower your water bill.

You may realise that your water use at home contributes to your energy bills and carbon emissions. 

Using water wisely can lower your water bill (if you’re on a water meter), cut your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. 

Water saving tips 

Did you know that the average UK household uses around 345 litres of water every day? That’s 145 litres per person, every day. 

Follow these water saving tips to reduce the amount of water you use at home. This will help lower your household bills and cut your carbon footprint. 

  • Fill your dishwashers and washing machines before you use them, and ensure you use the most efficient water and energy settings. 
  • Use a bowl to wash up rather than a running tap. You only need to run a typical tap for 95 seconds to fill a washing up bowl. 
  • Use cold water to rinse utensils or wash vegetables, and don’t leave the tap running. 
  • Fit an aerator onto your kitchen tap to reduce the amount of water you use, without affecting how it washes or rinses. Doing this could save you up to £19 a year. 
  • Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving – you could be wasting more than 10 litres a minute by leaving it running. 
  • Stop dripping taps by changing washers when they wear out – leaks can waste thousands of litres a year. 
  • Watch out for power showers, as these often use more water than a full bath. 

Hot water savings 

Hot water accounts for 12% of a typical household’s energy bill. So, using hot water wisely can be a great way to save money on your bills. Heating water also accounts for around 5% of the UK’s total carbon emissions. 

Simple ways to manage your hot water use at home: 

  • Set your heating controls to give you enough hot water at the right temperature, when you want it. We suggest a minimum of 60 degrees. 
  • Switch to a water efficient shower head and save £25 a year on hot water costs. You’ll also save £35 on your water bill if you have a meter (based on a typical family). 
  • Set your washing machine to 30 degrees to use around 57% less electricity than washing at higher temperatures. This will also save you £12 a year on your bills. 
  • Reduce your washing machine use by one wash a week for a year to save £12 a year.
  • Keep your shower time to just four minutes and save around £60 a year on your energy bills. 
  • Swap just one bath a week with a four-minute shower and save £9 a year on your bills. 

For more ways to save water in your bathroom, kitchen and garden, visit the Waterwise website.

Help with your water bill 

If you’re struggling to pay for your water, or need help with your bill, your water company can help: 

  • Water Direct is a Department of Work and Pensions scheme that helps you pay water bills through your benefits payments. 
  • Breathing Space is a pause in payments while you take action to get on top of debts. 
  • Ask your water company to set up a payment plan. 

There are schemes available to help reduce your water bill if your water use is high usage or if you’re on a low income. 

WaterSure is a scheme provided by all water suppliers. To apply for the scheme, you must claim certain benefits and need to use a lot of water either:

  • for medical reasons
  • because your household has three or more school-age children

You also need to be on a water meter or be waiting to have one installed. 

Discounts on your water bill vary by supplier. If your household income is below £20,000 and you are on benefits, you may be eligible for up to 50% off your water bill. Contact your water supplier to ask about their discounted tariff. 

To find out more, check your water bill (if you have one) to see who provides your water. If you don’t have a bill, the Water UK website has a postcode checker that will tell you your supplier. 

Protect your home during cold weather 

There are lots of simple measures you can take to protect your home in cold weather: 

  • Insulate your pipes – this will help reduce your hot water bill, and reduces the chance of burst pipes in cold weather. 
  • Look after your radiators – bleed your radiators regularly to keep them working efficiently all winter. 
  • Clear your drains – keep your drains and gutters clear to prevent blockages and leaks.

Get more energy saving advice

If you need more detailed energy advice and support, call our advice team free on 0808 175 9345. Or request a call back using our contact form.