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Estimates Only: This calculator provides estimates based on typical usage. Contact your water company for exact rates.
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If you can't afford your water bill, water companies offer several kinds of support. Here is help with water bills in England and Wales, from social tariffs to payment breaks.
Source: CCW, 2m households secure lower bills through water companies’ social tariffs (12 November 2025)
A lower bill from your water company if your household income is low. Each company runs its own scheme with its own rules. CCW says 1.96 million households had one in 2024-25, saving £190 on average.
Caps the bill of metered households on certain benefits with three or more children or a medical need for extra water.
Who qualifies for WaterSure →If you are already in debt to your water company, you can pay your water and sewerage charges straight from your benefits.
Companies can offer weekly, fortnightly or monthly plans, and a break if you need to reduce or stop payments for a short time.
Some companies reduce debt if you keep to a payment plan, and some have funds that give grants towards water debt.
Unless metering is compulsory where you live, CCW says you can trial a meter for up to 2 years and switch back. Not everyone saves, but some households save hundreds of pounds.
Check with the water meter calculator →Sources: CCW, Help with bills; CCW Water Mark.
There is no single national scheme. CCW says the average saving from the main water and sewerage companies' social tariffs ranged from £120 to £314 a year, and it is calling for a single social tariff for England and Wales to replace what it calls a postcode lottery.
Start with your own company: CCW's Help with bills hub lists each scheme, who can get it and how to apply. Company averages for 2026/27 are on average water bill UK.
A discounted bill your water company offers to households on low incomes. Each company sets its own eligibility and discount, so ask yours or check CCW’s guide to company schemes.
CCW says the main water and sewerage companies’ social tariffs cut bills by between £120 and £314 a year on average in 2024-25, and £190 across all schemes.
Contact your water company and ask about its social tariff, WaterSure, payment plans and debt support. CCW’s Help with bills hub lists what each company offers.
Yes. Ask about debt support schemes, hardship funds, payment plans and Water Direct. CCW says around 2.85 million customers were in arrears.