UK water bills rise 26%, Martin Lewis offers savings tips

The average water bill in the UK is set to increase by 26% starting April 1, leading to an extra £123 per year for most households. Martin Lewis, a well-known financial expert, is advising people to consider a "bedroom rule" to help lower their water costs. Under this rule, households with more bedrooms than people living in them should think about getting a water meter. This allows them to pay only for the water they actually use. The average water bill will rise to £603 annually, and some areas, like Southern Water, will see even larger increases. Lewis shared this advice during his ITV show, highlighting that it can save households hundreds of pounds. He encouraged viewers to check their situation on the Consumer Council for Water's website, where they can use a calculator to see if a water meter would reduce their costs. If installing a water meter is not a good option, Lewis suggests requesting an "assessed charge," which estimates what the bill would be if on a meter. Households can choose the cheaper option. He also recommends visiting savewatersavemoney.co.uk to check for eligibility for free water-saving devices, which could also help reduce bills.