How do you know that you are paying the best price for your water?
It can be difficult to make sense of your charges and rates, but if you want to save money it is important to understand how much you are paying for your water, and why.
Below are some tips to help you save money.
How is my water bill calculated – unmetered or do I have a water meter installed
Water companies determine rates in two different ways, it depends on whether you have a water meter or not. There are also regional rates in the UK that depend on water availability.
Most people are charged a fixed charge based on estimated consumption and include costs of water quality maintenance and domestic water supply.
This is calculated in accordance with the rateable value of your house. Some people have a water meter fitted which, depending on habits, it may be a cheaper alternative.
The difference between water charges and sewage charges
Your bill covers two sections – your freshwater bull that comes from your taps, and sewerage charges for water that has to be treated.
The latter is also known as foul or grey water and includes water from your septic tank, surface rainwater runoff, or any other water that flows into the public sewer.
What is a surface water drainage rebate?
As mentioned, surface water runoff is included in the domestic bill.
If you are able to prove that no water flows from your property into the sewer, then you can apply for a refund for your most recent charges.
How can I spend less on water?
For household use, your water supplier is determined by your region, and you are not able to switch to a new supplier.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help save money when it comes to paying for water, and to decrease that outstanding balance each month.
- Install water meters to accurately track your water use. If you are water-savvy, you will only pay for the water you use.
- Use a water displacement device in the toilet so that less water is used each time it is flushed.
- Use collection devices to reduce wastewater and use runoff or rainwater around the garden.
Can you change water companies?
A business or “eligible” customers can change their water supplier, sewerage services and ancillary services if there are doubts that the water bills reflect the consumption, or if there is a need for a new, better payment plan.
The benefits of changing to a different water company are:
- you can request consolidated billing and electronic billing
- you will be able to get data as requested, especially if you have an online account
- if you have multiple businesses in different regions, you can keep your one supplier at all the locations.
Castle Water is a great option if you are unhappy with your current payment method and want to simplify making payments at affordable rates.
Final Thoughts
You cannot escape paying bills to the local authority for water consumption and wastewater services, but it is important that you understand your water usage.
If you reduce your consumption and wastewater generated, you will notice a cost reduction from your last bill.
Whether you are being billed by rateable value or according to a meter, you can still be more conscious and pay less for water.
