Could a Water Meter Save You Money? How to Check and Switch in the UK

The general rule is: if you have more bedrooms than people, a water meter will likely save you money. A single person in a three-bed house could save dramatically, as unmetered bills assume higher occupancy. Small households (1-2 people), people who are careful with water usage, and those living in larger properties on unmetered bills tend to see the biggest savings. Conversely, large families in small properties might be better off staying unmetered. CCW (the Consumer Council for Water) has a free online calculator at ccw.org.uk that estimates whether you'd save by switching. It takes two minutes and gives you a clear answer based on your specific situation.

Contact your water company and request a meter. Installation is completely free by law — your water company cannot charge you. Most installations are completed within a few weeks of requesting. The meter is usually fitted outside your property, near the boundary. The process takes about 30 minutes and doesn't require any disruption inside your home. Once installed, you'll receive your first metered bill after a few months. Most companies offer an initial period where you can switch back to unmetered billing if you find you're paying more — typically 12 months.

Once you're on a meter, every drop counts. Fixing a dripping tap can save 5,000+ litres per year. A running toilet can waste 200-400 litres per day — check by putting food colouring in the cistern and seeing if it appears in the bowl without flushing. Showers use significantly less water than baths (assuming you keep them under 10 minutes). A water-efficient showerhead can reduce flow by 40% without noticeably affecting water pressure. Most water companies provide these free of charge. In the garden, use a watering can instead of a hose (a hose uses 1,000 litres per hour), collect rainwater in a butt, and water plants in the evening when less evaporates. These small changes add up to significant savings over a year.

Most UK water companies offer free water-saving devices — dual-flush toilet converters, shower timers, tap inserts, and cistern displacement devices. Check your water company's website and order them. If you're on a low income, you may qualify for social tariffs that cap your water bill. These are offered by every water company but have different names and eligibility criteria. Contact yours directly to check. Some companies also offer WaterSure, a capped tariff for metered customers who receive certain benefits and either have a medical condition requiring extra water or have three or more children under 19 living at home.

Keep your first unmetered bill to compare against your new metered bills. This gives you a clear picture of how much you're saving month by month. Set up a SYM savings challenge for the difference. If your old bill was £50/month and your metered bill is £30/month, redirect that £20 straight into savings. Over a year, that's £240 — enough to fund a holiday or build a proper emergency fund. Many water companies now offer apps or online portals where you can track your daily usage. Gamify it — try to beat your previous week's usage, just like beating your savings challenge targets on SYM.