This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. Get advice relating to England

This page looks at water charges and how you may be able to save money on water by getting a meter installed. It also has tips on saving water in your home.

How do water charges work?

In Scotland, there are two ways of paying for water.

As part of your council tax bill

If you don't have a water meter, water charges will be added to your council tax bill and paid to the council. The charge will depend on which council tax band your home is in.

You may not have to pay the full charge if:

• you are exempt from paying council tax, or
• you get a discount on your bill, or
• you get council tax benefit.

Direct to Scottish Water

If you have a water meter fitted, Scottish Water will send you a monthly or quarterly bill. This will consist of a fixed charge, plus a charge for the amount of water you use, measured by the meter, and an estimated charge for waste water.

How much are the charges?

You can find out how much the charges are at the Scottish Water website.

Will getting a meter installed save me money?

Getting a meter installed may save you money, depending on how many people live in your home and how much water you use. To find out, use the calculator on the Scottish Water website or the water bill efficiency service on the uSwitch website. This will help you work out how much water you use and whether it would be worth getting a meter installed.

How do I get a meter installed?

Water meters are installed by Scottish Water. If you're interested in getting a meter, call the customer helpline on 0845 601 8855 to arrange a survey. You can also arrange for a meter to be installed through the uSwitch water bill efficiency service.

The meter will usually be installed outside your home, so that Scottish Water can access it easily to read it.

How much does it cost to get a meter installed?

Scottish Water will pay for the meter itself, however, you will be charged for all other costs involved in installing it.

Can I get a meter installed if I rent my home?

If you rent your home, you'll need to get permission from your landlord before you can get a meter installed.

What if I want to go back to an unmetered water supply?

If you want to revert to an unmetered water supply, you need to notify Scottish Water in writing. Call the customer helpline to find out more.

How can I save water?

If you have a water meter, saving water means saving money. Even if you don't have a water meter, it's a good idea to get into the habit of saving water, for environmental reasons. Using less hot water will also help save on energy bills.

In the home

• Dripping taps can waste as much as four litres of water a day, so fix them straight away.
• Make sure water pipes are insulated. Insulation helps prevent pipes freezing and bursting in cold weather, and means you won't have to run the taps for a long time to get hot water.
• Watch out for damp patches and leaks and call in a plumber straight away if you think water pipes may be leaking.

In the bathroom

• Don't leave the tap running when you're brushing your teeth. This can waste up to five litres of water a minute.
• A shower uses a third of the amount of water that a bath does (unless you have a power shower - these use the same amount of water as a bath). You could also consider fitting a water saving showerhead.
• Toilet flushing accounts for around a third of the water we use in our homes. If your toilet has a large or old cistern, fit a water saving device such as a hippo or save-a-flush - this means you'll save water every time you flush.
• If you're replacing your toilet, make sure the cistern is no more than 7.5 litres, even if it's a dual flush toilet. If you're replacing an old cistern, a modern 7.5 litre cistern may not be enough to flush the toilet properly. In this case it's advisable to replace the toilet bowl as well.
• If you have a dual flush toilet, make sure everyone who uses the toilet knows and selects the right flush, otherwise you won't save any water.

In the kitchen

• Don't wash food or dishes under running water - put the plug in the sink or use a basin or bowl. You can then use the leftover water for watering houseplants. (Bear in mind that fruit and vegetables should always be given a final rinse.)
• Don't defrost food under a running tap.
• Only put as much water in the kettle as you need before you boil it. This will save water and electricity.
• Make sure the washing machine is full before you use it, or put it on the 'half load' setting. Use a quick wash if your clothes aren't too dirty.
• Only set off the dishwasher when it's full, or use a quick wash if the dishes aren't very dirty.
• If you're buying a new washing machine or dishwasher, check its water efficiency rating. The most efficient machines have an 'A' rating.
• Consider fitting self-closing tap conversions to your existing taps or changing to spray taps - this will reduce the amount of water you waste. You can buy these in DIY stores or online from specialist distributors.

Outside

• Plants prefer rainwater to tap water, so invest in a water butt or barrel (available from most garden centres or DIY stores) to collect rainfall and use this for watering the garden.
• Use a watering can to water plants, not a hose or sprinkler.
• Water the garden in the early morning or evening - this will reduce the amount of water lost through evaporation.
• Use a bucket instead of a hose when washing your car.
• If you need to use a hose, fit it with a trigger nozzle so you can turn it off when you don't need it.
• Clean paths, patios and driveways with a brush, rather than a hose.

You can find out more about saving water at the Scottish Water website.