Can I switch water supplier?

No. Unlike gas and electricity, you cannot switch water companies. Your water supplier is determined by your location. However, you can choose whether to have a water meter (which usually saves money for smaller households) and you can reduce bills through water-saving measures.

Is a water meter better?

Usually, yes — if you have fewer people in your home than bedrooms. The average metered bill is lower than unmetered. You have a legal right to request a free water meter. If it doesn't save you money, most companies let you switch back within 2 years.

What is the average water bill in the UK?

The average water and sewerage bill is around £450-£480 per year. This varies significantly by region (South West is highest) and whether you have a meter. Metered customers typically pay £380-£420; unmetered customers pay based on property rateable value.

Water Bills UK — How to Reduce Costs and Get Help | PocketWise

Water bills might not be switchable, but there are still ways to reduce how much you pay — and help available if you are struggling. Understanding how water bills work is the first step.

How Water Bills Work

Component	What It Covers
Water supply	Clean water delivered to your home
Sewerage	Waste water processing
Surface water drainage	Rainwater runoff from property

How You’re Charged

Method	How It Works
Metered	Pay for what you use (per unit) + standing charge
Unmetered	Fixed amount based on property’s old rateable value

Average Bills by Region

Region (Company)	Average Annual Bill
South West Water	~£579
Wessex Water	~£526
Southern Water	~£475
Anglian Water	~£467
Yorkshire Water	~£450
United Utilities	~£440
Thames Water	~£430
Severn Trent	~£410
Welsh Water	~£480
Northumbrian Water	~£440

Approximate figures — your bill depends on usage and metering.

Should You Get a Water Meter?

When a Meter Usually Saves Money

Situation	Likely Savings
Fewer people than bedrooms	Usually saves
Live alone in large property	Significant savings
Couple in 3+ bed house	Usually saves
Water-efficient household	Usually saves
Small family, large property	Often saves

When Unmetered May Be Better

Situation	Detail
Large family, small property	May use more per person
High water use (garden, pool)	Metered could cost more
Medical need for high water	Check before switching

Online Calculator

Most water companies offer calculators to estimate whether a meter would save you money. Check your company’s website.

Your Right to a Meter

Right	Detail
Free installation	You can request a free meter installation
Trial period	Most companies offer 2-year “try before you buy”
Revert	Can often switch back if it costs more
Assessed charge	If meter fitting isn’t possible, an assessed charge applies

Reducing Your Water Bill

Low/No Cost Actions

Action	Annual Saving
Shorter showers (4 mins max)	£60–£100
Fix dripping taps	£30–£60
Turn tap off while brushing teeth	£10–£20
Full loads only (washing machine)	£10–£30
Water butt for garden	Varies
Efficient flushing	Use dual flush correctly
Don’t run tap for cold water	Use a jug in fridge

Devices That Save Water (Often Free from Supplier)

Device	What It Does	Saving
Shower timer	Encourages shorter showers	£20–£60/year
Tap aerators	Reduce flow without affecting pressure	£10–£30/year
Cistern displacement device	Reduces toilet flush volume	£10–£20/year
Shower head exchange	Efficient showerhead	£30–£70/year
Leaky loo strip	Detects toilet leaks	Varies

Bigger Investments

Investment	Saving	Cost
Water-efficient showerhead	£30–£70/year	£20–£50
Dual-flush toilet	£20–£40/year	£100–£300
Water-efficient washing machine	£20–£40/year	£300–£500
Water-efficient dishwasher	£15–£30/year	£300–£500

Help If You’re Struggling

Most water companies offer reduced tariffs for customers on low incomes:

Company	Scheme Name	Typical Discount
Thames Water	WaterHelp	Caps bill at £279/year
Yorkshire Water	WaterSupport	Up to 50% off
United Utilities	Help to Pay	Various reductions
Severn Trent	Big Difference Scheme	Up to 90% off
Anglian Water	LITE	Capped bill

Check your company’s website — most offer significant discounts if you’re on benefits or low income.

WaterSure Scheme

Feature	Detail
What it is	Bill capped at average for your area
Who qualifies	Metered customers on benefits with either: medical need for extra water OR 3+ children under 19
How to apply	Contact your water company
Eligibility benefits	Universal Credit, Tax Credits, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit, etc.

Other Support

Support	Detail
Payment plans	All companies must offer if you’re struggling
Payment breaks	May be available in hardship
Trust funds	Some companies have charitable funds
Debt write-off	CAP (Christians Against Poverty), StepChange can negotiate

Understanding Your Bill

Bill Component	What It Is
Water supply charge	Cost of clean water
Sewerage charge	Waste water treatment
Standing charge	Fixed daily amount
Surface water drainage	Rainwater runoff (can sometimes reduce — see below)
Units used (metered)	Your actual usage

Reducing Surface Water Drainage Charge

If rainwater from your property does not drain into public sewers:

Situation	Action
Your roof drains to soakaway (not sewer)	Apply for reduction
Your driveway drains to garden	Apply for reduction
All rainwater stays on property	Could remove charge entirely

Contact your water company to see if you qualify.

For more on managing household costs, see our household bills guide and reduce energy bills guide.