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Save hundreds on your water bills with six simple changes that will reduce your usage

With water bills constantly creeping up in price, it’s more important than ever to reduce your water usage and lower costs where possible.

Thankfully, there are some simple changes you can make at home that will save you hundreds, giving you more income to spend on the fun things in life.

Hand turning off a Running Chrome Tap in a kitchen
Hand reaching across a sink below a window, to press down tap to turn off the running water. Pot and bowl sit in the sink. Antibacterial hand soap sits off to the side. Credit: Catherine Falls Commercial (Getty Images)

6 ways to save money on your water bills

Business utility comparison site�Clearsight Energy�has provided six easy ways to reduce your water usage and cut costs at home.

“By implementing these simple and effective changes, homeowners can drastically reduce their water consumption and save on monthly costs,” a spokesperson said.

“Its important for homeowners to be aware of the potential water savings they can generate without any upfront cost.”

1. Fix leaking or dripping taps

Firstly, one of the simplest ways to save water is by fixing leaking taps. Water.org�reports that one dripping tap wastes at least 5,500 litres of water annually!

If that drip becomes a small trickle, that tap can waste a staggering 175,000 litres in a year, a study from Tap Warehouse reveals, which costs the average UK homeowner �300.

The most common reason for a dripping tap is a failed washer which can easily be replaced at home by turning off the water and removing the valve.

2. Energy-efficient dishwashers

The appliance that often uses the most water is your dishwasher, especially if you have a large family and switch it on more than once a day.

Upgrading to an energy-efficient dishwasher uses around 30% less water and less energy, so you’ll save on your electricity bill too.

Always opt for a dishwasher over washing dishes by hand. A dishwasher uses 13 litres of water to wash 144 items on average while washing the same load by hand uses a staggering 100 litres, a study by the University of Bonn reveals.

Open dishwasher with clean utensils in it, man hands loading dishes to the dishwasher machine, introducing or taking out a plate and cup, clean tableware after cleaning process
Open dishwasher with clean utensils in it, man hands loading dishes to the dishwasher machine, introducing or taking out a plate and cup, clean tableware after cleaning process. Credit: Kseniya Ovchinnikova (Getty Images)

3. Aerators for taps

Another easy way to save water is installing aerators on taps, which reduce water flow while maintaining the same pressure by mixing air with water.

They are low in cost, easy to install at home and can be fitted onto most standard taps.

According to the European University Institute, aerators can reduce your home’s water usage from 15 litres per minute to just six, saving up to 1,274 litres of water per month.

4. Low-water-use toilets

Toilets are another appliance that use up a lot of water, but there are low-water options out there that can be installed.

Traditional toilets use lots of water per flush, up to 14 litres, while modern toilets can reduce this by 80%, saving up to 25,000 litres per person annually.

If you have a dual-flush toilet, it’s also important to always use the lighter flush option when appropriate to reduce your water bill.

Hand flush toilet
Hand flush toilet. Credit: naruecha jenthaisong (Getty Images)

5. Rainwater harvesting systems

This one costs a few thousand to install but will provide significant water savings for years to come.

Rainwater harvesting systems allow homes to collect and store rainwater for use in the home, like watering plants, toilet flushing, and cleaning.

This reduces reliance on tap water, lowering water bill costs. A great first step is to install a water butt in your backyard to water plants.

6. Leak detection systems

Finally, undetected leaks are one of the biggest reasons for water wastage, causing three billion litres of water wastage every day across England alone, Global Citizen reveals.

The European Commission estimates that installing leak detection systems in homes can save up to 50% of public water supplies.

This technology helps identify leaks straight away so they can be fixed, and some even automatically shut off the water supply when a leak is found.�