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 (CCW) have water usage calculators on their websites to help you work out how much you are likely to pay if you have a meter.

Check if a water meter could save you money on the CCW website.

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. Ask your water company or check what help is available on the CCW website.

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 CCW 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.

• More about benefits

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

Check which water company supplies your area on the CCW website.

If you need more help with your water bills, contact the CCW on their website.

Get more help with your water on the uSwitch website.