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The water regulator Ofwat has announced that utility companies can hike water prices by around 18% over the next five years. This is about half the increase that water companies would like to finance improvements to our creaking water works. Collectively, Britain's water companies said they need £22b to address serious under-investment prior to privatisation. An 18% increase will cost an average British household, paying around £250 a year in water and sewerage charges, an extra £45. However, there are regional differences. For example, households in the southwest can expect see an increase of £62, while homeowners in Northumbria could pay just £37 more a year. Whatever the increase in your water bills, there is plenty that you can do to take some of the sting out of today's news. Fit A Water Meter If you don't already have a water meter installed then it can pay to do so. This is provided there are fewer than four people living under the same roof. According to Three Valleys Water, customers on a water meter use around 17% less water than those on a metered supply. So you could save £40 a year simply by fitting a water meter. Get Under The Shower About a quarter of domestic water is used for bathing and showering. However, taking a 5-minute shower (not a power shower, please) instead lounging in the bath can save 5 litres of water every time. This equates to a saving of £12 a year for the average family. A Brick In the Loo It is reckoned that each person flushes the domestic toilet, for whatever reason, about 5 times a day. However, Water Hippos or even a brick in the toilet cistern can save 2 to 3 litres of water with every flush. This simple idea can save you almost £9 a year, and furthermore Water Hippos are available for free from most water companies. Water Butts We use around 9,000 litres of water a year on our gardens. Mulching, according to gardening experts, is one of the best ways to control water-loss from flowerbeds. Meanwhile, water butts are a great way to collect rain water for use in the garden. Consequently, you could save over £15 if you can just cut water usage in the garden by half. Greywater Finally, a favourite of mine. Water that has been used for washing and bathing can be safely re-used in the garden. You can buy diverters that cost less than £5, which will channel water from a downpipe to a water butt or hose. However, don't use greywater for edible crops, and always make sure it's not too grey!