I tried six water-saving gadgets from major retailers – you can slash bills with a £3 tool you won’t even notice
AS you can’t switch water provider, many people wrongly assume you can’t save money on your water bill.
Experts believe making a few simple changes at home could slash hundreds of pounds off your annual bill.
The average UK home uses around 330 litres of water a day – that’s 140 litres for every person.
Most of us have no idea how much we use with estimates generally falling between 50 and 100 litres per day – well below the true figure.
Our grandparents only used around 20 litres so use is rising rapidly.
Not only is this bad for the environment, but it’s costly too.
Water UK reckons the average bill in Britain is around £408 a year.
There are gadgets you can use to help reduce how much water you use – saving you cash.
Mum-of-three Lynsey Hope, 41, from West Malling, Kent, tried out some best-sellers and here she shares her favourites:
Digital Water Resistant Shower Timer
- £12.23 from Amazon.co.uk
Lynsey says: “Experts recommend keeping your showers to around four minutes each.
“If you struggle to keep track of the time, a timer like this could come in handy.
“This is water and steam-proof and easy to use – you can set the time for as long or as little as you like.
“Four minutes went by in a flash and made me realise I’ve probably been spending too long showering.
“I’ve no doubt using this will save me lots of money on my water bill over time.
“I’m not always done in four minutes but this does remind me to speed up.”
- Ease of use: 9/10
- Water saving: 5/10
- Value for money: 6/10
- Overall score: 7/10
LAICA Dual Flo Kettle
- £69.99 from OnBuy.com
Lynsey says: “A clever kettle that means you only boil the amount of water you need – saving energy and avoiding water wastage.
“However much water you put in, you can set it to boil just ‘one cup’ and there is a choice of amounts depending on how big your mugs are.
“It was super quiet when in action and took about 40 seconds to boil one cup’s worth.
“I did worry it might overflow, it filled my cup perfectly.
“It is heavier than a standard kettle so bare that in mind if you struggle to lift anything too large.
“I loved it though. This is a real game-changer if you live in a house where the kettle is always boiling.”
- Ease of use: 10/10
- Water saving: 10/10
- Value for money: 9/10
- Overall score: 9/10
Mira Nectar Eco Shower Handset
- £36.73 from Screwfix.com
Lynsey says: “A clever shower head that limits water to flow to around six litres per minute, helping to lower bills.
“It did just that and the shower took a bit of getting used to as it wasn’t as much pressure as I was used to.
“But after a few tries, I barely noticed anymore and it’s great to know I’m saving money and using less water.
“It fits all shower hoses and is easy peasy to fit, no tools even required.
“A great price from a reputable brand.”
- Ease of use: 8/10
- Water saving: 8/10
- Value for money: 9/10
- Overall score: 8/10
Low Energie Tap Aerator
- £3.19 from Amazon.co.uk
Lynsey says: “Tap aerators work by mixing air with water, increasing the pressure while reducing the amount of water that comes out.
“Experts at wessexwater.co.uk reckon using them could save the average household up to £36 a year.
“I fitted to my bathroom tap with an adjustable spanner, which was easy to do.
“It’s a brilliant price for a tiny gadget you hardly notice in the home but saves you cash. I’d recommend this to anyone.”
- Ease of use: 9/10
- Water saving: 7/10
- Value for money: 9/10
- Overall score: 9/10
Colour Catcher
- £3.50 for 40 sheets from Sainsburys.co.uk
Lynsey says: “This clever laundry sheet simply goes in your washing machine and prevents colour run by trapping any loose dyes.
“This allows people to mix all their washing into one load.
“There’s no need for white or coloured washes, saving you money on your energy bills and reducing water usage.
“It couldn’t be easier and as someone who often has a half load of whites, these were perfect and well worth the money.
“I did worry it wouldn’t work and I’d end up with everything pink but they worked well.
“I mixed whites with red football t-shirts and everything came out perfectly.
“You can buy them at most supermarkets but Sainsbury’s had a bulk load of 40 sheets for £3.50.”
- Ease of use: 10/10
- Water saving: 10/10
- Value for money: 10/10
- Overall score: 10/10
Pepte Toilet Tank Bank
- £6.99 from Amazon.co.uk
Lynsey says: “You might have heard that sticking a brick in your toilet cistern will mean you use less water and save you money – this basically does the same job but is less likely to clog up your pipes.
“Simply fill with water and place in your cistern.
“When the toilet is flushed, the cistern never fully empties so you lose water and save money.
“After a month of using it, I reckon I’ve already saved about £8 on my water bill so it’s already earnt its money.
“One clip holding it in place did break but it stayed in place anyway.
“Otherwise it seems robust so should last well. A great water-saving device.”
- Ease of use: 7/10
- Water saving: 7/10
- Value for money: 6/10
- Overall score: 6/10