A MARTIN Lewis money tip saved one customer more than £500 on her water bill – and she now only pays £16 a month.
Ursula was paying £60 a month for the essential service before acting on MoneySavingExpert‘s advice, and has now more than halved her bill.
In a post on the cost-cutting guru’s website, Martin’s ‘rule of thumb’ for water bills in England and Wales was revealed.
The post said: “More bedrooms in your home than people, or the same number (eg, three bedrooms, two people)?
“A water meter is likely to save you cash.
“Try a water meter calculator to get a better picture.”
This is because, on a water meter, customers only pay for what they use, instead of a fixed bill based on estimated usage – which is determined by the home’s size.
Ursula revealed her enormous savings in June to MoneySavingExpert.com, saying: “I got a water meter fitted as there are only two of us in a three-bed house.
“We now pay £16 per month instead of £60 per month, saving £528 a year. Thank you.”
The Sun reported last year on Martin’s warning that thousands could save hundreds of pounds every year by switching to a water meter.
He said: “If there are more or the same number of bedrooms in your home than people (eg, three bedrooms, two people).
“A water meter is likely to save you cash.”
MoneySavingExpert.com provides a handy calculator to help you work out if it’s a cheaper option based on your circumstances.
We’ve previously spoken to one mum who more than halved her water bill after getting a meter – saving over £200 a year.
If you are on a meter, you could shave £70 from your energy bills and reduce your water bills too by reducing your wash time, according to Uswitch.
And leaving the water running while you brush your teeth could add £60 a year to your bills says Octopus.
The same goes for washing dishes, be sure you turn the tap off as if you’re doing it in the sink, leaving it running will add £25 to your annual bill.
Many water companies offer free water-saving devices that shave pounds off your bills too.
Contact your supplier or check out savewatersavemoney.co.uk.
