Household budgets are likely to be stretched still further with news that water companies intend to increase bills by up to 60 per cent over the next five years. This will push the average water bill of £300 up to almost £500.  For families struggling with rising food and fuel bills, there is a simple answer - cut down your water usage.

This may be easier than it looks. It is estimated that each person in Britain uses about 33 gallons of water every day. Experts say that many people could easily halve this usage. Here are six tips to get you started.

1. Install a meter

Most people pay a flat water rate, regardless of usage. Many households automatically save money just by switching to a meter, even before they start economising.  As a rule of thumb, if you have more bedrooms than people in your home, you will benefit from going on to a meter, and could cut up to £125 off your annual bill. Most households in Britain can have a water meter installed free of charge. Within the first 12 months, you have the right to ask your water company to switch you back to an unmeasured charge if you find you are not saving money. However, if you aren’t eligible for a meter, your water company should offer you an “assessed charge” where you pay a bill based on an estimate of your usage, or what other metered customers pay in your area. See ofwat.gov.uk for details.

2. Drop a hippo in your cistern

As every flush of the lavatory uses nearly nine gallons of water, cisterns often account for more than 30 per cent of household water consumption.  A Hippo - a polyethylene block - in your cistern can cut that by an estimated three litres (0.6 gallon) per flush. They’re relatively inexpensive at £1.95 each; hippo-the-watersaver.co.uk or biggreensmile.com.

3. Don’t leave taps running

In one minute, a running tap can waste nearly two gallons. And it is not just tooth-brushers who are too blame. Don’t rinse fruit or vegetables under a tap -soak them in a bowl of water. Likewise, keep a jug of cold water in the fridge rather than running the tap until it goes cold.

4. Stop dripping

A leaky tap can waste more than 20 gallons a week. This can cost significantly more than a new 50p washer.

5. Buy water-efficient appliances

Dishwashers and washing machines account for 16 per cent of the water used in a typical household. New washing machines with an EU energy efficiency label can use less than 11 gallons of water per 13lb wash. And remember, a full load will need less water than two half loads.

6. Take a shower

A five-minute shower uses a third as much water as a bath. Fitting a water-efficient shower head (available for about £40 from DIY stores) can further reduce your consumption by as much as 30 per cent.