Money-saving expert Martin Lewis has issued a vital call to UK households, revealing that many could slash their annual water bills by over £1,000 by reassessing what he terms the 'forgotten utility'.
The 'Forgotten Utility' That Could Save You Thousands
During an episode of The Martin Lewis Money Show on ITV in January 2025, the consumer champion urged viewers to scrutinise their water bills. He highlighted that significant savings are available, particularly for single occupants, those on a low income (under £21,000 a year), people receiving benefits, and families with children.
Lewis explained that switching from a standard rate to a water meter is often the key to substantial reductions. He shared a compelling example from a viewer, who said: "I’m a single person living in a three-bedroom house, and my water bill was £42 a month. I switched to a water meter, and now I’m only paying £11.50 a month, a huge saving of over £30 a month." This amounts to an annual saving of more than £360 for that individual.
Beyond the Meter: The Water Sure Scheme
For households with higher essential water usage, Martin Lewis pointed to another crucial scheme. The Water Sure scheme caps bills for eligible customers. This is designed for people who have a medical condition requiring high water use, such as Crohn's Disease, or for families with three or more children under the age of 19 who are also on certain benefits.
A second viewer's experience underscores the combined benefit of these support mechanisms. They reported: "I looked into social water tariffs, I’m now on a low income and live alone with two teenage girls. I also have Crohn’s Disease, I work full time and I’m on certain benefits. I was paying £40 a month and now I’m paying £29 a month."
Who Qualifies for Help?
To summarise, the primary routes to cutting your water bill are:
- Switching to a water meter: Ideal if you have fewer people in your home than bedrooms.
- The Water Sure scheme: For those on benefits with a large family or a medical condition requiring significant water use.
- Social tariffs: Reduced tariffs offered by some water companies for those on low incomes.
Martin Lewis concluded his advice by stressing the importance of acting on this often-overlooked bill. "That’s why I call it the forgotten utility," he said, "I’ve had people save over £1,000 a year by switching to a water meter." With the cost of living remaining a pressing concern for millions, this guidance offers a tangible way for eligible households to secure essential financial relief.
