The figure comes from water watchdog CCWater, which offers an online calculator so customers can decide whether to ask for a free meter to be installed. The watchdog has also highlighted other ways customers can save money on its website www.ccwater.org.uk
As bills are sent out for the second half of the year, the water watchdog is urging other customers to follow the 60,000 who have already used the online calculator. CCWater says a free water meter is the best way for many people to save money, and water companies can supply water efficiency gadgets as well.
The watchdog is also urging indebted customers to contact their water company to get access to support schemes. Among them the Water Sure scheme limits the bills of many customers receiving income-related benefits, and water companies have their own special payment schemes or reduced rates for some customers.