Consumers in the United Kingdom can obtain free water-saving kits from various regional water companies as part of conservation initiatives. These programs are designed to help households reduce water usage and potentially lower utility bills. The availability and distribution methods for these kits vary significantly depending on the specific water provider servicing a household.
Participating Water Companies and Distribution Methods
Access to free water-saving devices is managed through different channels based on the water company. The primary distribution platform is the "Save Water Save Money" website, which serves as a centralized hub for many providers.
Direct Access via Save Water Save Money
Households serviced by the following water companies can order kits directly by entering their postcode on the Save Water Save Money website: - Bournemouth Water - Bristol Water - South East Water - South West Water - Yorkshire Water
Once a postcode is entered, customers can view available items in their area and submit their details. Delivery is typically promised within 28 days, with some customers reporting arrival within one week.
Access via Savings Calculator
Customers with the following providers must utilize the Save Water Save Money savings calculator to access free devices: - Affinity Water - Cambridge Water - Dwr Cymru - Hafren Dyfrdwy - Portsmouth Water - SES Water - Severn Trent - South Staffs Water - Wessex Water - NI Water - Jersey Water - Scottish Water - Southern Water - United Utilities
Direct Ordering Required
The following water companies do not participate in the Save Water Save Money promotion. Customers must visit their specific water company's official website to check for available freebies: - Anglian Water - Essex & Suffolk Water - Northumbrian Water - Thames Water
Northumbrian Water, for instance, offers a "Your free water saving kit" through its own portal. The company partners with Aqualogic to provide these devices, emphasizing the importance of water conservation even for unmetered households.
Customer Service and Delivery Concerns
While the concept of free water-saving kits is beneficial, customer experiences with the distribution process—particularly through the Save Water Save Money platform—have been mixed. Several reviews highlight significant issues with delivery times, communication, and order fulfillment.
Reported Delays and Fulfillment Issues
- Extended Delivery Times: One customer reported waiting 9 weeks for an order placed on May 24th, despite weekly attempts to contact customer service and requests for a refund.
- Missing Items: Several customers reported receiving incomplete orders, such as ordering two water butts and receiving only one.
- Wrong Items Delivered: A customer received the wrong water butt and found it impossible to contact the company for resolution.
Communication Challenges
Multiple reviews cite extreme difficulty in contacting customer support: - Phone calls frequently resulted in messages stating no one was available. - Emails went unanswered, with only automated delivery promises that were not kept. - One customer noted the company was "impossible to contact" despite being recommended by South West Water.
Customer Sentiment
The Trustpilot reviews reflect widespread frustration: - "I think I have been scammed" (regarding a paid order for a water butt). - "Avoid Save Water Save Money at all Costs." - "Go to B&Q or via another water butt provider."
However, there are isolated reports of success, albeit with long wait times. One reviewer noted a 2-month delay but acknowledged the legitimacy of the company, attributing the delay to high demand during a drought.
Northumbrian Water's Specific Program
Northumbrian Water offers a distinct free water-saving kit program separate from the Save Water Save Money platform. The program is managed directly by the water company in partnership with Aqualogic. The kit is available to customers, and the company emphasizes that clean water is not unlimited, encouraging all customers to consider water conservation regardless of whether they have a meter.
Broader Context: Water Industry Challenges
The distribution of free water-saving kits occurs against a backdrop of legal and regulatory challenges facing UK water companies. Recent reports indicate that six English water companies—Severn Trent Water, Thames Water, United Utilities, Anglian Water, Yorkshire Water, and Northumbrian Water—face legal action for allegedly underreporting pollution incidents and overcharging customers.
Legal Action and Compensation
Professor Carolyn Roberts, represented by Leigh Day Solicitors, has brought collective action claims alleging competition law violations. The claims suggest that accurate reporting of sewage discharges would have resulted in lower customer bills. The case against Severn Trent alone is estimated at over £330 million, with total potential compensation exceeding £800 million for 20 million customers.
Infrastructure and Billing Issues
Thames Water reported a 40% increase in pollution incidents in the first half of 2024, even as the firm was permitted to raise customer bills by 35% on average over upcoming years. Infrastructure investment remains a contentious issue, with private equity firms like KKR (which holds a 25% stake in Northumbrian Water) advocating for bill increases to fund aging infrastructure upgrades.
Conclusion
Free water-saving kits are available to UK households through various regional water companies, though the ordering process and reliability of distribution vary significantly. While the initiative offers a no-cost method to reduce water consumption, consumers should be aware of potential delays and communication issues when ordering through third-party platforms like Save Water Save Money. Customers with providers such as Northumbrian Water may find it more reliable to order directly through their water company's official website. Additionally, the broader water industry is facing scrutiny regarding billing practices and environmental compliance, which may impact consumer trust in these programs.