As everyone continues to feel the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis, South West Water is sharing some useful tips to help customers save water and save money.
Steve Hayfield, Customer Experience and Delivery Director, has advice for customers on saving on their bills.
Along with helpful tips on saving money, South West Water offers a range of support for customers, with 57,000 customers currently on a support tariff.
The water company has committed to ensuring no customers are in water poverty by the end of 2025 and is extending that commitment to 2030, including keeping bills lower now than they were 10 years ago.
Tips for reducing water consumption
Using water more wisely helps protect our lakes and rivers along with saving money.
Steve said: “Every year the South West uses over 300 billion litres of drinking water and demand is increasing. Any water we take from the natural environment comes at a cost – to the planet and people.
“Every drop counts. Simply cutting a minute off your daily shower, turning off the tap when brushing your teeth, or installing one of our free water-saving devices will make a real difference. Using less heated water saves on energy bills too.”
Customers can find out more through South West Water’s Water is Precious campaign.
Take control with a meter
Another great way to save is to take control by switching to a water meter.
Steve explained: “With a water meter, you only pay for what you use, and no more. This is the fairest way to pay with over 88% of household customers currently paying by a metered or equivalent charge. For low-consumption households, this can save hundreds off their bill very easily.
“We offer our customers a 'lowest bill' guarantee to show you the difference between your metered and unmetered bill. If you pay more on a meter we’ll refund you the difference, so switching to a meter carries no risk of increased charges.
“You can use our handy calculator to help you work out your water use and whether a water meter would save you money.”
Leakage support and allowances
Water meters can also indicate if there's a leak in the property because there’ll be an unusual spike in consumption.
Steve continued: "Customers like to know they can use their meter readings to help find leaks and we can also use their readings to calculate a leak allowance.
"If you do have a leak on your supply pipe, we may be able to help with a contribution to get it repaired and when done also help towards the cost of any water lost.”
Reduce what you use with water-saving devices
From toilet buffaloos to shower timers, there are many devices available for free on the South West Water website that can reduce how much water you use.
Steve said: "Water-saving devices are a really simple and easy way to reduce water usage and ultimately save money on your bills. Simple steps like switching to a water-saving shower head can make a real difference.
"When you're on a meter, the less you use, the more you save. Take the survey on our website to find out what could work best for your household.”
Use flexible payment plans to help spread the cost
This tip doesn't save money but it does help manage the money you spend on your bill.
Steve explained: "Our payment plans help customers by spreading the cost over the year rather than paying your bill all in one go.
"If you sign up for one of our payment plans, you can choose to pay set amounts towards your bill every week, fortnight or month. It’s up to you."
A little extra help
South West Water offers a range of financial help specifically designed to help people who need extra support. The company currently has 57,000 customers on a support tariff.
- WaterCare This tariff is available to our low-income customers who are either on a water meter or an assessed charge. This tariff offers a reduction on customer’s bills ranging from a 15% to 85% discount.
- WaterSure Caps your bill price to help customers who are on a means-tested benefit but use more water due to a medical condition, or have a large family
- WaterDirect helps you pay your bill directly from your benefit so that you don't have to think about it.
- ReStart is our payment matching scheme, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and have arrears on your bill, this scheme can help you clear your water debt, whilst you manage your ongoing charges.
Steve explained: "If you need support, please do give us a call and we'll see how we might be able to help you. It’s important that you don’t struggle and we want our customers to know about the help we can provide.
"It might be someone you know who needs this help, so please spread the word too."
Get help with your water bill
If you're struggling to pay your water bill, South West Water has made it easier for you to get the right help with its online calculator and single application form. Click here for more information and full contact details.
Don't forget that South West Water offers a range of free, and subsidised, water-saving products which can be found on its website.
You can order buffaloo bags that save water with every flush, shower heads and tap inserts that aerate and reduce the amount of water used, shower timers and more.
