Martin Lewis has outlined how households can potentially save up to £1,000 a year on water bills. The consumer expert shared tips on The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, focusing on meter switches, freebies, and bill checks.
Lewis explained that many households are still billed based on the 1990 rateable value of their home, not actual usage. He advised checking if a water meter could reduce costs, especially for low users in large homes. A simple rule: if you have more bedrooms than people, a meter may be cheaper. Use the Consumer Council for Water's free calculator at CCWater.org.
His second tip was to reduce water usage, particularly hot water, which also cuts energy bills. The website savewatersavemoney.co.uk offers freebies like pipe insulation and shower heads to help.
Lewis highlighted that 5.7 million eligible homes miss out on water discounts. Two key schemes are social tariffs for low-income households (cutting bills by up to 90%) and WaterSure, which caps bills for those with medical conditions or three or more children on benefits. Both can be claimed simultaneously.
One viewer, Laura, saved nearly £500 a year after contacting her water company. Lewis urged viewers to check eligibility for these discounts.
