South West Water, a water company serving the South West of England, has implemented a campaign and a tariff trial to help customers reduce water consumption. The initiatives include the provision of free water-saving devices and an innovative tariff that offers reduced rates for low water use. These programmes are designed to address pressure on regional water resources and to offer potential savings on household bills.
The company’s “Save Every Drop” campaign provides free water-saving devices to customers and businesses. Through this campaign, South West Water has distributed over 100,000 free water-saving devices. The devices available include shower regulators and timers, bufaloo strips, and leaky loo detectors. Additionally, the company has provided over 25,000 waterbutts in 100-litre and 200-litre capacities to help customers collect rainwater for garden use. The provision of these free items is part of a broader effort to highlight simple everyday changes in behaviour that can reduce daily water demand. The campaign also emphasises that these steps can help protect the region’s natural environment and can lead to reduced bills for customers on a water meter.
Customers can claim these free water-saving devices by visiting the South West Water website. The company’s online page for the Save Every Drop campaign provides information on how to request the devices. The campaign also offers top tips on saving water in the garden and the home. The free devices are intended to support customers in reducing their water usage, which is particularly relevant given the extended hosepipe ban in parts of Devon, including Cornwall and North Devon, due to lower than average rainfall levels. South West Water has stated that the restrictions on non-essential water usage are necessary to protect water supplies.
In addition to the free devices, South West Water is trialling a new tariff called the Smart Saver tariff. This trial is scheduled to run for two years, commencing on 1 April 2024, and is initially offered to a selection of customers in the Barnstaple area. The tariff is designed to encourage the reduction of non-essential water use by offering a cheaper water rate for low consumption, with rates increasing if higher consumption is observed. South West Water anticipates that approximately 90% of customers participating in the trial will see a reduction in their bills as a result of this pricing structure.
To support customers on the Smart Saver tariff trial, the water company will provide water efficiency advice and free water-saving devices. The trial aims to understand what charging methods customers consider fair and to develop improved ways of charging across the region. The results of this trial, along with other initiatives, will be used to work with customers, government, regulators, and the Consumer Council for Water.
Furthermore, South West Water assists customers and businesses in detecting leaks on private supplies, which account for around 30% of reported leaks in the region. The company will fix these leaks free of charge. This service is part of the company’s commitment to helping customers reduce water waste and manage their consumption effectively.
The initiatives from South West Water are presented as a response to increased pressure on the region’s water resources from growing demand and erratic weather patterns. The company urges everyone to change their approach to water usage. The free devices and the Smart Saver tariff trial are key components of this strategy, offering practical support and financial incentives for conservation.