Despite the UK’s average water bill set to drop by £17 per annum from April 2020, consecutive increases over the past two years mean it still remains one of the biggest expenses of running a home.

There are, however, a number of steps you can take to reduce your water bill, whether you pay rates determined by the value of your home or have a metered supply.

We understand just how precious water is. Our water filtration systems make water taste even better so every member of your household can enjoy it even more. Saving water elsewhere within the home can cut your water bills dramatically. Read on to discover our top ways to reduce your water bill.

Take a shower instead of a bath

The average bath uses 35 to 50 gallons of water. This is significantly more than a 10-minute shower, which uses approximately 25 gallons. Taking a quick shower and thinking of baths as occasional treats is the key to saving water at home.

You can save even more by catching water that would otherwise be wasted in a bucket as your shower heats up. This water can then be used to water your garden, flush the toilet or clean your home.

Moreover, adapting your showerhead to a more energy-efficient design can help too. A low-flow showerhead actively conserves water with 2.5 gallons flowing per minute compared with the 5 gallons of water lost every minute by conventional showerheads.

Change how you brush

Brushing your teeth is another daily practice that uses water. You use a surprising amount of water when brushing your teeth with some 20 litres lost daily. Turning the tap off while you brush is one habit to get into.

Spitting after brushing instead of rinsing the mouth offers another way to save water. It’s also better for your dental health as Dr Nigel Carter OBE, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, explains:

“Rinsing our mouth with water is very bad for our teeth as it washes away the protective fluoride left behind by brushing. Fluoride is the single most important ingredient in toothpaste. It greatly helps oral health by strengthening the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to tooth decay. It also reduces the amount of acid that the bacteria on your teeth produce. By spitting toothpaste out then not rinsing with water it ensures that the fluoride found in the majority of toothpastes will remain on the teeth and continue to be effective.”

Wash smaller loads of dishes by hand

Dishwashers waste an incredible amount of water so make sure you have a full load of dishes to wash before using this handy kitchen appliance.

For smaller loads, consider getting your hands dirty and washing them in the sink. Washing up in the sink uses approximately six litres of water whilst a dishwasher uses an astonishing 55 litres per cycle.

Invest in a water butt

During the spring and summer months in particular, tending to the foliage in your garden becomes something of a hobby. Watering the grass and plants keeps everything looking lush and green but it uses a lot of water, particularly if the weather is warm and dry.

Investing in a water butt to catch rainwater is a must. This rainwater can then be used in your garden or to wash the car.

Conserving water within our homes is just one of the ways we can help save the planet. Use the top tips above to do just that and slash your water bill in the process.