5 Simple Ways to Cut Your Water Bill

Why Reducing Your Water Usage Matters

For millions of households across the North East of England, the water bill is a regular outgoing that can sometimes feel difficult to control. At Northumbrian Water, we believe that everyone deserves access to affordable water services, and we are committed to helping our customers find practical ways to reduce their usage and save money. Whether you are a homeowner, a tenant, or managing a household on a tight budget, there are straightforward steps you can take today to bring your water bill down without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Water is a precious resource, and using it wisely is not only good for your wallet — it is also good for the environment. Every litre saved means less energy used in treatment and pumping, and less strain on our rivers, reservoirs, and natural habitats. Here are five simple changes that can make a real difference.

1. Fix Dripping Taps and Running Toilets

A dripping tap might seem like a minor annoyance, but it can waste more than 5,000 litres of water a year. A running toilet can waste even more — up to 400 litres a day in some cases. These are among the most common causes of unexpectedly high water bills. Checking your taps and toilets regularly, and replacing worn washers or faulty valves promptly, is one of the easiest and most effective ways to cut your water use. If you are unsure whether your toilet is leaking, try placing a piece of dry toilet paper at the back of the bowl after flushing. If it becomes wet before the next flush, you likely have a leak that needs attention.

2. Switch to a Water Meter

If you are currently paying a fixed charge based on the rateable value of your property, switching to a water meter could save you money — especially if you live in a smaller household or are mindful of your water use. With a meter, you only pay for the water you actually use. At Northumbrian Water, we offer free meter installation, and if you find that your bills increase after switching, you can revert to unmetered charges within the first two years. Our online water meter calculator can help you estimate whether a meter would benefit your household before you make the switch.

3. Be Smarter in the Bathroom

The bathroom is where most household water is used. A standard bath uses around 80 litres of water, while a five-minute shower typically uses about 40 litres — though power showers can use considerably more. Switching from baths to shorter showers, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, and fitting a water-efficient showerhead can all contribute to significant savings over the course of a year. For families with children, making bath time fun but efficient — for example, by sharing bath water between younger siblings — can also help.

4. Use Appliances Efficiently

Washing machines and dishwashers are essential household appliances, but running them half-full wastes both water and energy. Always wait until you have a full load before running a cycle, and consider using the eco or quick-wash setting where possible. Modern appliances are far more water-efficient than older models, so if your washing machine or dishwasher is more than ten years old, upgrading to a newer model could reduce your water and energy consumption significantly. When it comes to washing up by hand, filling a bowl rather than running the tap continuously can save up to 10 litres per session.

5. Make the Most of Free Water-Saving Devices

Northumbrian Water offers a range of free water-saving devices that can help you reduce your usage without changing your daily routine. These include tap aerators, which reduce the flow of water from your taps without affecting pressure, and cistern displacement devices, which reduce the amount of water used each time you flush the toilet. You can order these devices free of charge through our website, and they are easy to install yourself. Many customers find that these small changes, combined with a few mindful habits, can reduce their water use by up to 20 per cent.

Every Drop Counts

Saving water does not have to mean making dramatic lifestyle changes. By fixing leaks, considering a meter, being efficient in the bathroom and kitchen, and taking advantage of free tools and devices, you can make a meaningful difference to your bills and to the environment. At Northumbrian Water, we are here to help you every step of the way. Visit our website to explore our water-saving tools, check your eligibility for financial support, or speak to one of our friendly advisors for personalised guidance.

Together, we can make every drop count — for your household and for the North East.