Help with paying your water bills
If you're struggling to pay your water bills and you haven’t got a water meter, check whether having one installed will save you money. Many water companies, as well as the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) have water usage calculators on their websites to help you work out how much you are likely to pay if you have a meter.
You can also look at ways of using less water, and you should make sure you don’t have any water leaks that are making your bills higher than they should be.
If you're having problems paying a water bill, talk to your water company as soon as you can. You might be able to spread payments over a longer period through a payment plan. Water companies accept a variety of payment methods.
Special schemes
Many water companies run hardship schemes or fund independent charitable trusts which can help you pay your bills. You can find information about the different hardship schemes on the Consumer Council for Water website – or you can ask your water company.
If you're on benefits, check if you're eligible for the Watersure scheme.
If you need help with ways to cut your bill
Your water company and the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) can help you find out if there are ways to cut your bill.
Are you entitled to benefits you’re not getting?
Check you're getting all the benefits you're entitled to.
Should you use a company that offers to save money on your bill?
If you are the account holder, you are responsible for paying your water bill. Some independent companies may offer to act as your agent with your water company, so that:
- you pay the independent company
- the independent company pays your water company.
You should carefully consider the terms and conditions of the contract offered.
However if payments are not passed on to your water company it can still hold you responsible for paying your water bill, even if you have already paid the independent company.
Next steps
- For more about whether changing to a water meter can save you money, see Changing to a water meter
- For more about Watersure see Watersure scheme - help with paying water bills
- For more about what to do if you're having problems paying your water bills, see If you don’t pay your water bills
- Contact the consumer helpline if you need more help
Other useful information
Go to the Consumer Council for Water website:
You can find out if you're better off with a water meter on the uSwitch website.