Home Energy Efficiency UK 2026 — Grants, Upgrades and Savings Guide Water Bills UK — How to Reduce Costs and Get Help How water bills work in the UK, how to reduce your water costs, whether a water meter could save money, and support for those struggling to pay.
By James Whitfield
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10 July 2025
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Last reviewed: 20 March 2026
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4 min read 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.
If water costs are part of a wider household bill problem, our Energy Grants, Discounts and Help with Bills hub is the best place to compare support routes alongside energy help.
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 Social Tariffs 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 .