1 April 2009
Household water bills are expected to increase by 4.1% to £343 per year today (April 1st), according to research by uSwitch.com.
Installing a water meter could also be a timely move for many households, with the average annual water bill set to increase this month.
Analysis by the price comparison site indicates that the average water bill will increase to £133 per month.
This will take the average total for utilities and energy bills to £1,595 for the year, according to uSwitch.com.
However, despite this nearly two-thirds (65%) of consumers do not have a water meter installed in their home.
Will Marples, Home Utilities Expert at uSwitch.com, explained that a water meter is the "only option" for many consumers to reduce bills.
He said: "Unfortunately, households don't have much option with water bills - they can't shop around for a better deal.
"Those consumers who are advised by their water company that they can't have a meter installed can still request to have their charges assessed at a metered rate, which again means that they should see a reduction in their bill."