FAMILIES in Worcestershire have been urged to soak up every opportunity to save money on their water bills by the Consumer Council for Water.

Most customers can expect good news when they open their new bills with the average water and sewerage bill in England and Wales set to fall by £9 from April.

But that could still look like a drop in the ocean compared to other savings customers may be able to make by following the Consumer Council's money-saving tips.

Dame Yve Buckland, Chair of the Consumer Council for Water, said: “Every day that goes by can mean more hard-earned money down the drain.

“That’s why we’re urging everyone to take time to read through our tops tips - some could shave more than £100 a year off a customer’s bill.”

The organisation#s top money saving tips include having a free water meter fitted, checking your water bill to make sure you are not paying for a service you don’t receive and applying for help if you are struggling to pay.

Low income households who need to use a lot of water can sign up for WaterSure, a capped water and sewerage bill.

This allows water to be used for essential purposes without the fear of receiving a high bill.