Martin Lewis' Simple Bedroom Test Could Save Households 'Hundreds' on Water Bills
Financial guru Martin Lewis has issued a crucial piece of advice that could shield households from soaring water costs. With water bills across England and Wales poised to increase again this April, the Money Saving Expert founder highlights a straightforward "bedroom test" that may unlock savings of hundreds of pounds annually.
Water Bills Set for Another Hike Amid Ongoing Increases
The regulator Ofwat has confirmed that water bills will rise by an average of five percent in April. This follows last year's substantial average increase of 26 percent, and projections indicate further hikes are likely over the next three years. However, the rise is not uniform; some water firms will implement increases as high as 13 percent, while others may see no change at all.
"The water world is a perverse one with privatisation and no competition, but don't assume there aren't ways to save," states the Money Saving Expert (MSE) website. The team emphasises that despite the challenging landscape, proactive measures can significantly reduce household expenses.
The Bedroom Rule: A Potential Gateway to Major Savings
Martin Lewis' key recommendation centres on a simple comparison: if your home has more bedrooms than occupants, you should consider installing a free water meter. For example, a household with three bedrooms and only two people is a prime candidate.
This advice stems from the current billing system, which is based on outdated pre-1990 rates. Under this system, charges are roughly tied to a property's rental value rather than actual water usage. Consequently, larger homes often pay more, even if their consumption is low.
"More bedrooms in your home than people (or the same number)? There’s a good chance you can save," explains MSE. By switching to a meter, households are billed according to measured usage, which can lead to substantial reductions for those in under-occupied properties.
Real-World Savings and Flexibility for Households
The potential savings are not merely theoretical. One MSE reader, Debbie, reported that her Direct Debit plummeted from £108 per month to just £19 after installing a water meter—an annual saving of £1,068. "Thank you, Martin," she said, underscoring the tangible impact of this advice.
Importantly, the switch is not permanent. Most water companies allow households that voluntarily fit a meter up to two years to revert to unmetered billing for free, providing a safety net if the change does not yield expected benefits.
Regional Variations and How to Proceed
This guidance applies specifically to England and Wales. In Northern Ireland, water charges are incorporated into domestic rates, while in Scotland, they form part of a combined service charge. Although meters are available in Scotland, installation costs are typically high, making them less economical unless for very large, single-occupancy properties.
To assess potential savings, households can use the online water meter calculator provided by The Consumer Council for Water. For a more formal evaluation, water firms can conduct assessments upon request.
As April's price rise approaches, Martin Lewis' bedroom test offers a practical, low-risk strategy for households to combat escalating water bills and secure significant financial relief.
