How to save money on water bills: discounts, meters and tips

Some of these checks take just a few minutes. Others involve contacting your supplier.

You don’t have to tackle everything at once. Start with the options most likely to help your household.

Not sure who supplies your water? Use Water UK’s postcode checker.

You might have one company supplying clean water and another dealing with sewerage.

These are the genuine charges from our 2026/27 bill, not estimated figures.

There are three things worth noticing.

First, the sewerage charge. This covers collecting and treating wastewater. Our bill also includes a contribution towards draining water from roads and footpaths.

Second, surface water drainage. We’re paying £85.47 for this service. Some households can get the charge reduced if rainwater from their property doesn’t enter the public sewer.

Third, standing charges. We’re paying £128.28 a year in fixed charges for water and sewerage services. These don’t disappear simply because we use less water.

Not every company’s bill looks the same. Some suppliers combine charges, while others list them separately.

If you have a meter, your bill will also show charges based on the amount of water you’ve used.

1. Ask for a cheaper water tariff

This is one of the first things to check, especially if money is tight.

Every water company in England and Wales offers a social tariff. These are cheaper bills for customers on low incomes.

The amount you could save depends on your supplier and circumstances. Some companies offer percentage discounts, while others put a limit on your annual bill.

You don’t always need to claim benefits to qualify. Some companies look at your household income and ability to pay.

For example, if your water bill is £600 a year and you qualify for a 50% discount, you’d save £300. That’s £25 a month back in your budget.

It’s an illustration rather than a guaranteed saving, but it shows why checking is worthwhile.

Who can get a social tariff?

Each company has different rules.

You may qualify if you:

• Have a low household income.
• Receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit or certain other benefits.
• Are struggling to afford essential household bills.
• Meet your supplier’s rules for financial support.

Don’t assume you earn too much or won’t qualify because you’re working.

You can check the social tariffs available from your water company through the Consumer Council for Water (CCW).

How to apply

Contact your water supplier and ask about its social tariff.

Have your latest bill ready, along with details of your income and any benefits you receive.

You could say:

“I’m finding my water bill expensive. Could you check whether I qualify for your social tariff or any other discount?”

If you don’t qualify for one scheme, ask about alternatives. And if you have separate water and sewerage suppliers, check with both.

It’s worth making the call even if you’ve never missed a payment.

2. Check whether a water meter would save you money

If you don’t have a water meter, you could be paying more than necessary.

Many older homes have bills based on something called the property’s rateable value. This is an old way of calculating charges, so your bill isn’t based on how much water you use.

With a water meter, you pay for the water you use, plus fixed charges. That means using less water can reduce your bill.

Who is likely to save with a water meter?

A useful rule is to compare the number of bedrooms in your home with the number of people living there.

If you have more bedrooms than people, a meter is worth investigating.

For example:

• One person living in a three-bedroom house.
• A couple living in a four-bedroom home.
• Someone living alone in a property with a high fixed water bill.

But a meter isn’t guaranteed to be cheaper. If several people live in your home, or you use lots of water, your bill could increase.

Find out how much you could save

The simplest way to check is with the free CCW water meter calculator.

It’s updated with 2026/27 water charges.

You’ll need to answer a few questions about your household, including how often you shower and use appliances.

The calculator estimates what you’d pay with a meter. You can then compare the result with your current annual bill.

We checked whether a water meter would save us money

We decided to put this advice to the test using our own Yorkshire Water bill.

Our current unmetered bill for 2026/27 is £706.04 a year.

We entered our household details and estimated water use into the CCW calculator to see what we’d pay if we switched.

The calculator estimated we’d pay £716.62 a year with a water meter.

That’s £10.58 more than our current bill, or around 88p extra a month.

It also estimated that our household would use 108,400 litres of water each year. That’s approximately 99 litres per person per day.

For comparison, CCW says the average person uses around 139 litres of water a day.

Our estimated usage is considerably below that average. Even so, a meter wouldn’t currently save us money based on the figures we entered.

Of course, our 99-litre figure is only an estimate. It comes from our answers to the calculator, not actual meter readings.

The difference between the two bills is small, too. Using a little less water could change the result.

We haven’t had a meter installed, so we haven’t tested what we’d really pay.

For our household, switching to a meter doesn’t currently look worthwhile purely as a way to save money.

It’s a useful reminder that a meter could save one household hundreds of pounds while costing another more.

That’s an increase of £211.25, or 42.7%, in just two years.

The biggest jump came in April 2025, when our bill increased by £163.46. It went up by another £47.79 in April 2026.

These figures come from our actual annual statements. The 2024/25 amount is shown as the previous bill on our March 2025 statement.

Our household hasn’t moved during this period, and we’re still paying on an unmetered basis.

Water charges vary between companies and properties, so the increase won’t be the same for everyone.

But it’s certainly made us look more closely at what we’re paying and whether there are any savings available.

Can you switch back if a water meter costs more?

In many areas, yes.

If you’ve chosen to have a meter fitted, you may be able to return to your old charging system.

The usual trial period is up to 24 months, although some companies have shorter periods. There are also situations where you won’t be allowed to switch back, including some areas where compulsory metering applies.

Our Yorkshire Water bill says we can switch back within two years if a meter doesn’t work out for us.

Before having a meter installed, ask your supplier:

• Will installation be free?
• Can I return to my old charges if I pay more?
• How long do I have to decide?
• What happens if I move home?

Get the answers in writing.

Switching back usually changes how you’re billed. The meter itself normally stays in place.

Can renters get a water meter?

Renters in England and Wales can ask for a water meter. In Wales, landlords may prevent installation where the tenancy is fixed for less than six months. 

Check your tenancy agreement and speak to your water company about installation arrangements before proceeding.

If your water bills are included in your rent, check how you’re charged before making any changes.

3. Ask for an assessed charge if you can’t have a meter

Sometimes a water company can’t install a meter.

This could happen if you live in a flat, share pipes with another property or have difficult plumbing.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stick with an expensive fixed bill.

If you’ve applied for a meter and the company cannot fit one, it must offer an assessed charge.

This is an alternative way of calculating what you pay. The amount could be based on the number of people living in the property, the bedrooms or other factors.

Could an assessed charge save you money?

Potentially.

Say you live alone in a three-bedroom flat. You’re paying £700 a year without a meter, but the company cannot install one.

If you’re offered an assessed charge of £450, you could save £250 a year.

That’s an example, not a standard rate.

Ask your supplier what the assessed charge would be before agreeing.

If you live alone, specifically ask about a single-person assessed charge.

Some suppliers offer these, and they could work out cheaper.

What to ask your water company

You could say:

“I’d like to move onto a water meter, but I’ve been told one can’t be installed. Can you tell me what my assessed charge would be and whether you offer a single-person rate?”

Ask for the annual cost in writing, then compare it with your current bill.

You generally need to have requested a meter first. You can’t simply choose an assessed charge instead of having one fitted.

4. Check if WaterSure could cap your bill

WaterSure is designed for households that need to use more water than average.

It helps some families and people with medical conditions by putting a limit on their water bills.

To qualify under the current rules, you generally need to meet three conditions:

• Have a water meter, have applied for one, or be on an assessed charge because a meter cannot be fitted.
• Have someone in your household receiving an eligible income-related benefit, such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
• Have three or more children under 19 living at home who meet the Child Benefit conditions, or someone with a qualifying medical condition that requires extra water.

Medical conditions can include Crohn’s disease, incontinence and some conditions that require regular washing or home treatment.

Your supplier may ask for medical evidence.

How much could WaterSure save?

WaterSure limits the amount eligible households pay.

The cap is generally based on the average household bill in your water company’s area.

You won’t automatically pay that amount. If your normal metered bill is already lower, you’ll continue paying the lower figure.

The Government says households receiving WaterSure saved an average of £325 in 2024/25.

That shows how valuable the scheme can be for people who qualify.

WaterSure changes are coming

In March 2026, the Government announced changes to make WaterSure available to more households.

These include extending eligibility to certain disability benefits, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and changing how bills are capped.

The reforms are expected to take effect in early 2027. They will be mandatory in England and voluntary in Wales.

You can read the Government’s WaterSure announcement.

For now, contact your supplier to check the current rules. Don’t wait until 2027 if you think you already qualify.

5. Check if you’re paying too much for sewerage

Your water bill isn’t just for the clean water coming into your home.

You may also pay for wastewater, rainwater drainage and other services.

But there are circumstances where you could be paying for something you don’t use.

Check for a surface water drainage rebate

Rain falling onto roofs and driveways often drains into public sewers, and water companies charge for dealing with it.

However, some properties have soakaways or other drainage systems that keep rainwater out of the public sewer.

If no surface water from your property enters a public sewer, you might qualify for a rebate.

This could mean lower future bills and possibly a refund for previous charges.

Our own Yorkshire Water bill includes an £85.47 surface water drainage charge.

We’re going to check whether that charge is correct for our property. Having the charge on our bill doesn’t mean we’re automatically entitled to a rebate.

You’ll need to contact your sewerage company and explain how your property drains. The company may ask for evidence.

You can apply directly and don’t need to pay anyone to claim for you.

There’s more information in Ofwat’s surface water drainage guidance.

One thing to note: simply having a water butt doesn’t mean you qualify.

Also, surface water drainage is different from highway drainage, which covers rainwater running off roads and pavements. You generally cannot have the highway drainage charge removed just because your home has a soakaway.

What to ask about a drainage rebate

You could say:

“I’d like to check whether I’m entitled to a surface water drainage rebate. Can you tell me what evidence you need and whether I could claim back any previous charges?”

You may need to explain where rainwater from your roof, driveway and other areas goes.

If you’re unsure, ask the company what information would help it assess your property.

Do you have a septic tank?

If your home uses a septic tank or cesspit rather than the public sewer, check your bill carefully.

You shouldn’t be paying for public sewage collection and treatment services that your property doesn’t receive.

Ask your sewerage supplier to explain any charges you don’t recognise. If you’ve been charged incorrectly, ask whether previous bills can be corrected.

What if you use lots of water in the garden?

There’s another possible saving for metered households.

Water companies usually allow for some water not returning to the sewer. But that allowance might not be enough if you use large amounts for gardening, a pond or a swimming pool.

In some cases, you can apply for an extra allowance on your sewerage charges.

You would need to prove how much water doesn’t return to the sewer. Some companies may require a separate meter.

There may be costs involved, so check whether the potential saving makes it worthwhile.

This is mainly worth investigating if you use unusually large amounts of water outdoors.

6. Get help if you’re struggling to pay

If your water bill is becoming unaffordable, contact your supplier as soon as possible.

You don’t have to wait until you’re behind with payments, and water companies have several ways to help.

Flexible payment plans

You may be able to spread your bill over smaller payments. Ask about weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments to match when you receive your income.

Some suppliers may also offer temporary payment breaks.

Hardship funds

Some companies have funds to help customers facing serious financial difficulties.

You might qualify for help with arrears or receive support towards clearing outstanding bills.

Debt support schemes

Certain schemes reduce what you owe when you stick to an agreed payment plan.

For example, a company might contribute towards reducing your debt as you make regular payments.

Water Direct

If you receive certain benefits and owe money to your water company, payments may be taken directly from your benefits.

This can make payments easier to manage, although it doesn’t reduce the amount you owe by itself.

Priority Services Register

If you have a disability, illness or other support needs, you can join your supplier’s Priority Services Register.

You might receive extra help during supply problems or assistance with communication.

It’s generally not a bill discount, but it can be valuable support.

Can your water be cut off if you can’t pay?

No. Water companies cannot disconnect a domestic water supply because of unpaid bills.

However, that doesn’t mean you can ignore what you owe. The company may take action to recover the debt, including going to court.

If you’re struggling with several household bills, see our guide on what to do if you can’t pay your bills.

You can also find more free advice and support in our Help & Support section.

What to say when you contact your supplier

If you’re not sure where to start, you could say:

“I’m finding my water bill difficult to afford. Could you check whether I qualify for a social tariff, WaterSure, a payment plan or any other financial support?”

Ask the company to explain all the available options, not just the first one it offers.

If an offer reduces your bill, check how long it lasts and whether you’ll need to apply again.

It’s also worth asking whether changing to a meter would affect your support.

7. Use less water and reduce your costs

There are plenty of simple changes you can make at home.

These are particularly useful if you have a water meter, as you’ll pay for the water you use.

If you don’t have a meter, saving cold water won’t normally reduce your fixed water bill. However, using less hot water can still cut the energy needed to heat it.

Spend a little less time in the shower

A long shower can use more water than you realise.

According to CCW, a power or mixer shower uses around 15 litres per minute.

An eight-minute shower could use 120 litres, while a five-minute shower would use around 75 litres.

That’s 45 litres saved every time.

If you shower daily, the difference adds up to more than 16,000 litres over a year.

Here’s what that could mean in money.

If your combined metered water and sewerage usage charge were £5 per 1,000 litres, you’d save around £82 a year.

That’s an example using an assumed water rate, not a guaranteed saving. It also wouldn’t reduce an unmetered fixed bill.

You could save more on the energy used to heat your shower water, depending on your heating system.

A water-efficient showerhead may also help you use less water without making showers uncomfortable.

Check for leaking toilets

A toilet that keeps running after you’ve flushed can waste a surprising amount of water.

CCW estimates that a leaking toilet can waste up to 400 litres a day. That’s potentially 146,000 litres over a year.

If you’re on a meter, it could make a noticeable difference to your bill.

Watch for water trickling into the bowl long after flushing. You can also ask your water supplier whether it offers free leak-detecting strips.

Fix dripping taps

A dripping tap might seem harmless, but small leaks add up.

Check taps in the kitchen, bathroom and garden. Sometimes the problem is as simple as a worn washer or cartridge.

If you’re not confident making repairs, ask someone who knows what they’re doing.

Use your washing machine and dishwasher efficiently

Try to wait until you have a full load, where the manufacturer’s instructions allow it.

Use an appropriate eco programme when possible and avoid extra rinses you don’t need.

If you wash dishes by hand, try filling a bowl rather than leaving the tap running.

Small changes can reduce both water and energy use.

Save water in the garden

Water butts collect rainwater that you can use on plants.

You can also reduce water use by:

• Watering plants early or late in the day.
• Using a watering can instead of leaving a hose running.
• Choosing plants that need less watering.
• Adding mulch to help soil hold moisture.

You don’t need to give up having a nice garden to save water.

Get free water-saving gadgets

Before buying anything, check what your supplier offers for free.

Many water companies provide products such as shower timers, water-saving showerheads, tap inserts and toilet leak detectors.

You can use CCW’s Get Water Fit tool to see what’s available using your postcode.

The products vary by area, and some may be out of stock.

It’s worth checking before spending your own money.

8. What to do if your water bill suddenly increases

If your bill has jumped unexpectedly, don’t assume you’ve used more water. There could be another explanation.

Check the meter reading

If you’re on a meter, see whether your bill uses an actual or estimated reading.

An incorrect estimate could make your charges higher than they should be. You may be able to submit an accurate reading to your supplier.

Compare your bills

Look at the dates covered by your latest bill. It might cover a longer period than usual.

Check whether your payments have changed because of a previous balance or an increase in charges.

A higher Direct Debit doesn’t always mean you’ve used more water.

Look for hidden leaks

If you have a meter, turn off all taps and appliances that use water.

Take a reading, then check it again after a period when nobody has used any water.

If the reading has changed, you could have a leak. Your supplier can advise you about checking the meter and investigating the problem.

Ask about a leakage allowance

If a leak has caused an unusually high metered bill, you may be able to claim a leakage allowance.

This means some of the charges for wasted water could be credited back.

You’ll normally need to have the leak repaired first. There are conditions, and you may not qualify if you delay repairs.

Ask your supplier about its rules as soon as you discover the problem.

If water from the leak didn’t enter the sewer, check whether your sewerage supplier can also adjust its charges.

Keep copies of repair receipts, meter readings and correspondence. They could be useful if you need to make a claim.

Has your monthly water payment increased?

If your Direct Debit suddenly jumps, it doesn’t always mean your actual water charges have increased by the same amount.

Your water company might also be collecting money you owe from previous bills, adjusting for underpayments or spreading the balance over fewer months.

Ask your supplier for a breakdown showing your current annual charges, any outstanding debt, and how they calculated your new monthly payment.

If the amount is unaffordable, ask about a more manageable repayment arrangement.

9. Check if you’re owed compensation

Water companies have minimum standards they must meet when providing services.

If something goes wrong, you could be entitled to compensation under the Guaranteed Standards Scheme.

This can include:

• Missed appointments.
• Low water pressure.
• Water supplies not being restored on time.
• Problems with how complaints or account queries are handled.
• Certain incidents involving sewage flooding.

How much compensation could you receive?

The amount depends on what happened and which rules apply to your supplier.

For example, the minimum payment for a missed appointment is £50 for water companies operating mainly in England.

For companies operating mainly in Wales, the minimum is £20.

Some other failures can result in higher payments.

There are exceptions, including some circumstances outside the company’s control.

You can check the current compensation rules on Ofwat’s website.

How to claim

Some compensation should be paid automatically.

But if you’ve experienced a problem and haven’t received anything, contact your supplier. Explain what happened and ask whether you’re entitled to a payment.

Don’t leave it too long, as some claims have time limits.

If the company refuses and you disagree, ask for its decision in writing.

10. What if your water company won’t help?

If you think your bill is wrong or you’re being treated unfairly, make a formal complaint.

Start with your water or sewerage company. Explain the problem clearly and say what you’d like it to do.

Keep copies of your bills, emails and anything else that supports your complaint.

If the company cannot resolve the problem, you can contact the Consumer Council for Water.

CCW is independent and offers free help. You can usually take your complaint to CCW once you’ve received the company’s final response or eight weeks have passed.

You can find out how to complain through CCW.

You shouldn’t need to pay someone to help you challenge an incorrect bill.

What if your water company has incorrectly reported missed payments?

If your credit report shows missed water bill payments or arrears that you believe are incorrect, contact your water company and ask it to investigate and correct the information.

You can also raise a dispute with the credit reference agency showing the entry.

Keep copies of your bills, payment records and correspondence. If the water company doesn’t resolve your complaint, you can escalate it to the Consumer Council for Water (CCW).

What about water bills in Scotland and Northern Ireland?

Water charging works differently outside England and Wales.

Scotland

Most households in Scotland pay water and wastewater charges through their council tax bills.

The average annual charge for 2026/27 is £532, according to Scottish Water.

If you receive Council Tax Reduction, you could qualify for up to 35% off your water and wastewater charges through the Water Charges Reduction Scheme.

Your local council normally checks eligibility and applies the reduction automatically.

Check your council tax bill to see whether you’re receiving the support you qualify for.

Northern Ireland

Households in Northern Ireland don’t normally receive separate domestic water bills.

This means the water meter and social tariff advice for England and Wales doesn’t apply in the same way.