How to Reduce Your Water Bill with a Water Meter

Save Water and Enjoy Lower Household Bills

Apr 18, 2009 Asa Ghaffar

Choosing to save water minimises household bills and helps the environment. Reduce a water bill by fitting a water meter and using a variety of water saving techniques.

Millions of families are struggling to balance household bills so carefully controlling the use of all utility bills is essential. Being able to save water doesn't just help the environment, it can also reduce a water bill provided that a meter is installed.

How to Save Money with a Water Meter

All families use different amounts, yet receive the exact same water bill. The installation of a water meter gives families a genuine incentive to make key lifestyle alterations. For example, taking a shower instead of having a bath minimises usage and helps save money.

However, a water meter doesn't always help families to reduce household bills. Those that spend a higher percentage of their time at home or who are keen gardeners are likely to find that their water bill actually increases. Although it fails to help the environment, an unmeasured bill may be beneficial.

Why Choosing to Save Water is Essential

According to figures produced by OFWAT (the industry regulator), the average family uses 153 litres of water every day. uSwitch.com believes that developing countries only use 20 litres a day. The Environment Agency drew attention to the fact that groundwater levels were the lowest in 20 years.

Ways to Save Water and Help the Environment

• Take a shower instead of a bath. Whilst a bath costs 15p, the average cost of a shower is just 7p.
• Flush the toilet less regularly as each flush costs 1.52p each.
• Turn off the tap whilst brushing teeth.
• Use grey (used) or rain water when caring for the garden.
• Don't over-fill the kettle when making a single cup of tea.
• Avoid the use of a garden sprinkler system. Watering the garden costs £1.03.
• Save water by using waste to wash out jars for recycling.
• If a tap is dripping, fit a new washer or get it fixed.
• Only use the washing machine and dish washer when there is a full load as it costs 12p and 5p per load, respectively.

* The above figures were provided by price comparison site, uSwitch.com.

How Much can a Water Meter Save Families?

According to MoneySavingExpert.com: "The average unmetered water bill is £362, while the average metered bill is £309." This is because users make a conscious effort to save water and help the environment. It should be noted that bills vary considerably across the country.

Installing a water meter gives families a genuine incentive to make lasting lifestyle changes that both save water and help the environment. Not all families will be able to save money on household bills so it is important that a thorough assessment is made before switching.

Those that found this article useful may be interest in discovering ways to reduce credit card debt, write-off unenforceable loan agreements and make extra cash.

The copyright of the article How to Reduce Your Water Bill with a Water Meter in Personal Budgeting/Finance is owned by Asa Ghaffar. Permission to republish How to Reduce Your Water Bill with a Water Meter in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Lower Water Billl