How to save water when you're on a meter

Maximise the benefits of a water meter

3 things to know

The first step to saving water is to know how much water you use.

Know where your water meter is

Most water meters are located outside your property in your boundary box. You can see your outdoor meter by lifting the lid and having a look. It may be a little dark or mucky so you may need to poor a little water over it to clear any dirt or use a torch.

Some meters are located inside your house. They’re normally placed near to your internal stop-tap. If you don’t know where yours is, message our team and they’ll be able to help you find it.

Read your water meter regularly

Another way to help save is to read your meter regularly and update your account with your readings.

You’ll then be able to track your use on your usage graph, which will help you spot high and low points in your water use.

Work out where you’re using more water

Try and figure out where you’re using water the most – inside, outside, upstairs or downstairs.

Showers are still the biggest consumer of water in the household, however there are other things that may be causing high water usage like a dripping tap or a leaky loo.

Think about how you and your household use water

You only drink about 2% of the water you use, which means most of the water being used in your home is by appliances and activities.

How long are people in your household spending in the shower? Are you doing the washing up with a running tap? These small things add up over time and add to your bill.

Eco-settings on your appliances

Dishwashers and washing machines are modern appliances that many of us can’t live without.

Many modern manufacturers are very efficiency-conscious and provide eco settings on their appliances.

These normally mean you can save both water and money.

Are you washing your clothes in a full load? Are you filling your dishwasher before using it?

Small changes can make a big difference

Find and fix any leaks

It’s important to prevent leaks before they happen and fix them as quickly as possible if they do.

Even the smallest leak, a leaky loo or a dripping tap will be recorded on your meter.

Look for signs of leaks around your home.

If you think you might have a leak, there are some simple tests you can carry out to check for a leak.

Water saving kit

Our range of free water-saving products make it easier for you to save water and energy - and can also help save money on your bills.

They’re simple to fit and you can start saving water instantly.

Have a look at our range of free and subsidised water-saving products and order items that will suit you and your home.

Change old habits

Often, it’s the small things we do that can have the biggest impact on our water usage.

  • Only fill the kettle with the water you need.
  • Turn off the tap while you’re brushing your teeth.
  • Choose eco-settings on your washing machine and dishwasher.
  • Knock a minute off your shower time.

Helping you save

Water saving products

We are working in partnership with Save Water Save Money to bring you various free and reduced water-saving devices. 

They’re easy to fit and you could start saving water instantly - they even come with free postage! These offers are available to Severn Trent customers only and must be delivered to an address we supply.

Home water checks

We offer free home water efficiency checks in partnership with PN Daly.

If you would like us to carry out a check, you can now register your interest and once we resume our homecheck programme our partner organisation PN Daly will be in touch with you to arrange an appointment.

Summer savings

During the summer water usage goes up – people spend more time outside keeping their gardens looking lovely, washing the car or the patio and it all uses more water.

Understand the water-production process and how water usage is affected. Also, learn about our new text alert systems to keep customers informed.