Cut your water bills

In Scotland, it's not free to have a water meter installed (it's actually quite pricey), so unless you live alone in a manor-type property, you should stick to estimated payments. There are no domestic water charges in Northern Ireland, so no need for a meter.

How much can you save?

It varies depending on your household's usage, but also your water company. Remember, you can always try it to see if it saves you money. Most have up to two years to change back free of charge – so if it doesn't work out, ditch it.

If you're weighing up whether to get a meter, there are a few more facts to be aware of...

• If savings are minimal, stick with certainty. Non-metered water bills give you surety of knowing exactly what you'll pay, regardless of usage.

• You may have up to two years to try it out. Switch to a water meter and, if you change your mind, you may be able to switch back within 12 months, though many companies offer up to 24 months (others don't offer a choice). However, if you move into a home that already has a meter, you can't switch back. Check with your supplier to find out your options.

• Having a water meter shouldn't affect your home's value. Some say meters lower a property's sale price. There's a slim chance it'll put high-water-use buyers off, but it's rare. So if you're not planning to move soon, ignore it and bag the savings. 

• Higher water usage may force you on to a meter. If you use large amounts of water for non-necessities such as swimming pools or sprinklers, or if you live in a water-stressed area, a meter will be fitted automatically. Some water companies – mainly those in south east England – are rolling out metering programmes, meaning households in some areas will need to have a meter fitted and won't have the option to switch back to an unmetered supply.

How to get a water meter

To get a water meter installed, you can head over to your provider's website and see if you can apply – you'll usually need to fill in an application form – or give it a call and ask.

It's free to get one installed and water meters can be fitted inside and outside your home.

Once a meter's installed, the supplier should give you an information pack detailing your new charges and update your online account.

Can I switch back to an unmetered water bill?

With most providers, you've two years to assess whether having metered water is worth it and, if you decide it isn't right for you, you can ask your water company to switch you back to an unmetered bill.

We contacted the water companies to find out their policy on switching back from metered to unmetered billing:

Get help if you're struggling to pay your bills

If you're having trouble paying your water bill and have fallen into debt, contact your water company to see what help it can offer. All companies offer some kind of help – this can be anything from providing repayment plans, discounts or even a cap on how much you pay.

What's available varies from company to company. Don't worry if you're unsure which scheme is best for you. Call your provider and it will assess your circumstances and decide which one will save you the most money.

Discounted or capped bills for those on low incomes or claiming certain benefits

If you're on a low combined income (about £21,000 a year or less), all water companies offer various social tariffs that can slash as much as 90% off your bill by lowering or even capping what you pay, whether you have a water meter or not – though some also require you to be on certain benefits.

Apply by contacting your water company. It will assess your circumstances by asking about your income and recommend the tariff that'll save you the most money. The Consumer Council for Water provides a full list of the social tariffs available from the different suppliers.

Capped bills for those with a medical condition or children – but you must have a water meter

If you have a water meter, it may also be possible to get a reduced or capped bill through the national WaterSure scheme, available through all water companies.

To qualify, you (or someone living with you) must be receiving at least one eligible benefit AND have three or more children under the age of 19 in full-time education OR have a medical condition that means you use extra water.

You can't apply for WaterSure if you have high water use because of things like watering your garden with a hose or sprinkler, or refilling a pond or swimming pool that's more than 10,000 litres.

If you're accepted, your bills will be capped, so regardless of how much water you use, you won't pay more than your supplier's average household cost. Typical savings can be about £250 a year. To sign up, contact your supplier for an application form.

If you don't qualify and you're struggling, ask your water company for a repayment plan

If you've fallen behind with your water bill, call your water company and ask for help. All water companies should offer you a repayment or 'restart' plan, whether you're on a meter or not. These repayment plans differ between companies, but a common example is that the firm will match each payment you make. So for every £1 you pay, the water company will also pay £1 towards your bill.

Some companies will even wipe some of your debt if you continue to make repayments under your plan or increase the amount that's matched. For example, after six months for every £1 you pay towards your debt, the company will pay £2 towards your bill, which helps you pay off your debt quicker.

The water company will consider your situation and carry out a financial assessment to see which option will best suit.

If you're really struggling, you may be able to get a charity grant

Many water companies in England and Wales offer schemes and/or have charity funds to help customers with genuine reasons for being in debt or struggling to pay their water bills. This can mean a one-off payment to wipe all or part of your debt.

These include:

• Dwr Cymru Customer Assistance Fund
• Severn Trent Trust Fund
• Thames Water Customer Assistance Fund
• United Utilities Trust Fund

Any customer of these firms can apply, but each supplier has its own application process and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis – so only those who really need help will get it. If successful, you'll get help with clearing your water debt (for example, Dwr Cymru will pay off 50% of your debt if you've made repayments for six months). And some can even help with other debts you might have, such as if you've fallen behind on your energy or council tax bill.

If you need help filling in the application form, you can contact Citizens Advice which can help you.

Not with any of the water companies above?

Unfortunately, you won't be able to access the funds above, but the charity Turn2us has a handy grant search tool for local charity groups that may be able to help.

For those in debt crisis (see debt crisis definition) who are consistently struggling with debts and meeting repayments, free personal help is invaluable – see our Debt help guide and the Citizens Advice website.