Water bills are rising – what to do
Ofwat, the water regulator, has recently set out the price increases it sees as reasonable over the remainder of the decade.
Top-level analysis suggests that annual water bills will increase by an average of almost £100 by 2030.
Why are water bills increasing?
The main reason the water companies are saying they need to increase bills is to provide them with funds to invest in infrastructure improvements. This includes upgrading water treatment plants and reservoirs.
What can you do to keep your bills down?
Whilst the prices being set are mostly out of your control, there are some steps you can take to help make sure your bills don’t become astronomical:
1. Consider a water metre
Having a water metre fitted can potentially save money on bills. Many water companies will offer a trial to see whether this will save you money. Households that do not use much water, or where only one individual resides, are the most likely to see savings this way.
- Use less water where possibleMost bills are made up of a combination of daily standing charges and charges based on usage; therefore, use water sparingly. This may involve taking showers instead of baths or only using your dishwasher/washing machine when you have a full load.
3. Replace thirsty/outdated appliances
Updating your appliances to more efficient versions when they need replacing can save on water bills. This can include washing machines, dishwashers, and even your toilet (dual flush models can save significant amounts).
Drain jetting
Drain jetting is an effective and quick way of clearing build-up from drains/drain pipes. If you feel you could benefit from this, there are a number of specialist companies that offer drain jetting Bracknell and the surrounding areas. Many of these firms, such as drainpower.co.uk/drainage-services/drain-jetting/bracknell have useful online resources.
4. Try out water-saving gadgets
There are a number of innovative devices/widgets that can help you save water/reduce your water usage. Many of these are available for free from the water companies, such as efficient shower heads, water butts, and more.
