UK households who live in 'families of four' could be handed £225 off water bill

Six water-saving tips and habit changes could see UK households save £225. Annual water bills are set to rise by about £27.40 to £473 from next year, according to water regulator Ofwat. But you could shave hundreds off your bill with these six simple tips, as the Cost of Living crisis continues for many households in the UK.

Experts at bathroom supplier Wholesale Domestic say a family of four who make small changes to their home could save more than £200 a year. The tricks include switching to water-efficient fixtures, which could save £50, as well as lowering the temperature of your water heater, which could pocket you another £50.

“One of the simplest and most effective ways to save money on your energy bills is to use water-efficient fixtures,” said Brian Toward from Wholesale Domestic. “Modern showers and taps come with aerators and flow restrictors that reduce water usage without compromising on pressure.”

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“By reducing your water heater temperature to around 55°C you can still have hot showers without wasting excess energy,” he said. “Lowering the thermostat even slightly can make a significant difference over time and save you around £45-50 a year."

Taking shorter showers and fixing dripping and fixture leaks could save £20 and £35 respectively. “If every member of your household reduces their shower time by just one minute, you could save hundreds of litres of water each month,” Mr Toward suggests.

“Based on a family of four this could be a saving of around £20 a year in energy bills.” Mr Toward said: “A slow-dripping tap can waste up to 5,500 litres of water a year. Not only is it a waste of water but it’s a direct hit to your energy bills if it’s a hot tap.”

Installing a thermostatic mixer shower can save £30 and using your towel dryer wisely can save £20. Mr Toward advised: “Limit the time you have your towel rail on as many are left running for far longer than necessary, which can eat up electricity.”