Martin Lewis saves Britons £400 on their water bill - and outlines how you can do the same

Martin Lewis has revealed a bill slashing tactic for families across Britain as he issues a price hike warning.

Households will see the biggest rise in their annual water bills in almost 20 years when they surge to an average of £448 this spring.

Forecasters at Water UK said the 7.5 per cent increase would mean customers will pay around £1.23 per day on average from April in England and Wales.

Water bills will surge from April as experts warn that customers could pay £1.23 per day
Dominic Lipinski

Households would be paying an increase of 8p per day or average of more than £31 more than last year.

But personal finance expert Lewis said there is a way which Brits can cut their bills.

The founder of Money Saving Expert told viewers on his ITV show that anyone living in England or Wales can get a free water meter installed - which is likely to slash costs.

He explained that one person had cut their water bill by £400 after fitting a water meter.

Using the device means households will only pay for the water used rather than a fixed rate that is often determined by a home's value.

Lewis said: "If you're told a water meter can't be fitted because it's not practicable then ask for an assessed charge which will tell you roughly what the cost is on a meter and if that's cheaper, you can pay the lower amount."

Martin Lewis is urging people to install a water meter to save money
Nicholas.T.Ansell

A Water Meter Calculator can also be used to see how different elements of daily water use can be reduced.

He added that anyone who has a disability or on benefits should contact their water firm to see if they are eligible for a discount.

The Consumer Council for Water offers a free water meter calculator that informs consumers whether they will save by fitting a water meter.