The good news is that water bills are one of the easiest utility bills to manage. Water is a public service run by the government, so there’s no need to search for the best deals or worry about switching companies to get a better price. Water bills cover the running water into your home and the sewage system that runs through it.
How much should I expect to pay for water?
The cost of water will depend on where you live and what tariff your house is on. Surprisingly, the cheapest water bills are in London and the surrounding counties, according to a survey by Inksplott. This makes a nice change for London students who are usually hit with the highest student living costs in the UK. The amount you spend on the water will also be affected by the type of tariff your student house is on:
- Standard – A standard tariff is based on government data that estimates roughly how much water your house will use. You will be charged a fixed water rate each month or year regardless of how much water you use. This is often the preferred tariff type.
- Metered – A metered tariff works similar to a standard meter for gas or electric. Typically, the water company will take a meter reading every six months and then issue you a bill based on the amount of water you have used. This option can work out cheaper, but only if you are careful with how much water you use. Most water companies will fit a meter free of charge, so if you think it would work for you, then it might be worth having a chat with your landlord.
We recommend that students budget around £10 per month to cover the cost of water and sewerage. It is possible to switch from a standard tariff to metered and vice versa. However, you should think carefully about whether this would be beneficial long-term. If you want to change your water tariff, then you should speak with your landlord and water company to discuss options. To make it even easier for you, we offer an all in one utility splitting service so you don’t have to worry about individual costs and manually paying bills!
How do I set up my water bill?
Setting up your water bill is pretty straightforward because you won’t need to hunt for deals or compare suppliers. You simply check online to find your local water supplier and then contact them to set up your account. Check the terms of the contract and make a note of your payment dates. Make sure you put everyone’s name on the account so that you all have equal responsibility for the bills. If your house is on a meter, then take a reading as soon as you move in so you’re only charged for the water you use.
Can I reduce my water bills?
Using less water can bring about several great benefits. Firstly, it’s a simple way to lower your monthly utility bills and save some extra cash if you’re on a water meter. Reducing your water use is also an excellent way to conserve natural resources and reduce your carbon footprint. Some simple ways to save money on your water bills include only using your washing machine and dishwasher when you have a full load, taking short showers instead of baths, and storing water in the fridge so you don’t need to run the tap. You may also be able to get water-saving freebies for your student house. There are lots of companies offering gadgets such as low-flow shower heads and tap fixtures. Click here to check what water-saving freebies are on offer in your area. They might not sound like the most exciting freebies, but they’ll help you out in the long run!
Final thoughts
Water is essential and it should be one of the first things you sort out before moving into your student house. Luckily, water is one of the simplest bills to manage and you don’t need to worry about hunting around for the best deals.
Find out whether you are responsible for paying your water bill (or whether this is included in your rent) and check if your house is on a standard or metered tariff. You can then use a bill splitting app to ensure that water bills are divided fairly between your housemates. Follow the above tips to reduce your water use, cut your living costs, and do your bit to help the environment.