As average water bills will rise by £2 from 1 April, not all customers will see their bills rise as the price you pay depends on your supplier and whether you have a meter.

But as water companies are able to set their own charges for customers, subject to regulator Ofwat’s approval, some customers could find they pay more than the average £2 rise.

Here are five top tips from the Consumer Council for Water to reduce your water bills.

1) Consider switching to a water meter

For many households the most effective way to cut water bills is to install a water meter free of charge. Some people can save more than £100 a year. If your home has more bedrooms than people living there it’s worth looking into.

2) Soak-away savings

If you have a soak-away in your garden which drains all the surface water from your property back into the earth, you can apply to have surface water drainage charges removed from your bills. This will typically save you about £35 a year.

3) Sign up to WaterSure

If you’re already on a water meter but have high usage owing to a large family or medical condition, and also receive income related benefits, the WaterSure scheme could help. WaterSure limits the amount you’re charged each year and is available in England and Wales.

4) Get some water-saving freebies

Most water companies will offer you free devices and advice that can help you reduce the water you use – ideal for saving money if you’re a metered customer.

5) Apply for a trust fund payment or debt allowance scheme

If you’re in arrears on your water bill ask your water company if it has a scheme to help you pay them off. These can range from one-off trust fund payments to allowances against arrears, so long as regular payments are made.

From 1 April, 18 out of 21 water companies will have social tariffs in place for low-income households.