Check if you can pay less on your water bills

You might be able to get help if you have no income or a low income - or if you get benefits. You might be able to: 

• pay less for the water you use 

• apply to your water company for a cheaper rate - these are sometimes called ‘social tariffs’

• get your water supplier to limit the amount you'll have to pay for water each year

It might also be worth getting a water meter if you don’t already have one.

Important

If you can't pay your bill

The water company can’t cut off your water, but you should talk to them as soon as you can. If you don’t pay or agree how you’ll pay back what you owe, they can take you to court or take money from your benefits. 

Check what to do if you can’t pay your water bill.

Check if you can get a social tariff

Each water company has their own rules about who can get their social tariff. For example it might depend on which benefits you get.

You can only apply if you're the main account holder named on your water contract.

Check if you can get your water company’s social tariff on the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) website. The CCW is an independent organisation that helps people who have problems with their water supplier.

You can also call your water supplier and ask them about what tariffs they offer. Tell them about your situation - for example:

• if you’re getting any benefits

• if you’re struggling to pay your water bills

Check if you can reduce the amount you have to pay

You might be able to get your water company to limit the amount you have to pay. This means you won’t pay more than a fixed amount each year. This is called the ‘WaterSure scheme’.

To apply for the Watersure scheme you must have a water meter and get certain benefits, such as Universal Credit. 

Also, one of the following must apply: 

• you live with 3 or more children aged under 19

• you or someone you live with has a medical condition that means they use a lot of water, such as needing to shower a lot

Check if you can apply for the WaterSure scheme.

Check ways to use less water

You can get tips on using less water in your daily life on the CCW website. The CCW is an independent organisation that gives free advice to people who have problems with their water supplier.

Check if you should get a water meter

Getting a water meter installed can help you:

• keep track of how much water you use

• save money because you'll only pay for the water you use

If you use a lot of water, getting a water meter might not save you money. For example, it might not save you money if you live in a big household.

You can use a water usage calculator to help you work out if a water meter can save you money. You can use the calculator on the CCW website. 

Your water company might also have a calculator on their website.

If you would save money with a water meter, ask your water company to install one. You should find your water company’s contact details on your bill.

If your water company can’t give you a water meter

Your water company has to offer you another rate for your water bills instead, known as an ‘assessed charge’. 

Your water company will ask you questions about how much water you use and about your home. This could include how many bedrooms you have and the number of people who live in your home.

Your water company should give you details about how much you’ll pay on the assessed charge rate so you can compare it to what you're currently paying.

If you’re struggling with living costs

If you’re struggling with money, there are things you can do to save on your regular living costs. Check what to do if you need help with living costs.

If you’re finding it hard to pay your bills, you can get help. Find out more about getting help with your bills.

You can also get help with debts.

If you're struggling to pay for food, find out how to get help from a food bank.

If you’re finding things difficult

Your mental health is as important as your physical health. You should talk to your GP if your money problems are affecting your mental health. 

You can find other ways to get help with your mental health on the Mind website.

If you need to speak to someone 

You can speak to a trained volunteer at organisations like Samaritans or Shout.

Samaritans

Helpline: 116 123 (Monday to Sunday at any time)

Welsh Language Line: 0808 164 0123 (Monday to Sunday 7pm to 11pm)

Calls to Samaritans are free.

You can find other ways to get in touch with Samaritans on their website.

Shout

You can also text 'SHOUT' to 85258 to start a conversation with a trained Shout volunteer. Texts are free, anonymous and confidential from anywhere in the UK.

If you think it's an emergency

If you think your life or someone else’s is at risk, you should call 999 or go to A&E if you can.

You can also find a list of urgent mental health services on the Mind website.