Money hacks How to stop water and cash from going down the drain

If you live in England or Wales, your home has more bedrooms than people and you are not already metered, then switching to a water meter could save you hundreds of pounds each year.

- Mabel Banfield-Nwachi

Consider a meter

You may be able to figure out whether a meter could save you money by using online calculators on your water company's website. The water consumer group CCW also has one on its website. If unsure, you can always call your provider and ask for advice. It can review your usage and compare it with how much you are likely to pay if metered. It is free to have a meter installed but you have to apply through your provider's website or give the company a call. In Scotland, you will be charged the labour costs for installing a meter, so staying with fixed payments may be the better option.

If you do not have a meter, you will probably pay for your water with your council tax. A council tax reduction could mean you also get up to 35% off water and waste.

If you cannot get a meter in England or Wales, you may be eligible for an assessed charge. It is based on factors such as the size of your property and the number of people in your home. You can also apply for a social tariff. If you are unhappy with the water company's decision or billing in England and Wales, you can make a complaint to the water redress scheme (WATRS).

Have shorter showers Cutting the time you spend showering to four minutes or less could save more than 50 litres of water compared with an eight-minute shower.

To help track the time you could make a playlist of your favourite four-minute songs, or use Water Aid's Spotify one. Beyoncé's Run the World (Girls) comes in at 3:55. A lot of 80s hits also fit the four-minute bill. When the song starts to wind down, you will know time is nearly up and the bubbles must come off. Bonus points if it is a song about water or washing.