You cannot switch water supplier in the UK — but you can significantly reduce your water bill through metering, social tariffs, and WaterSure. Here is everything available to you.
Average UK Water Bills (2026/27)
| Region | Average annual bill | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| England and Wales average | £480–£520 | Varies significantly by region |
| Anglian Water | £550–£600 | Highest bills nationally |
| Severn Trent | £380–£420 | Among the lower-cost regions |
| Thames Water | £450–£500 | London and surrounding areas |
| Yorkshire Water | £390–£430 | Competitive regional pricing |
Water bills rose approximately 26–30% in April 2025 across most suppliers — the largest single-year increase in decades.
Option 1 — Request a Water Meter
Who benefits most:
- Single people or couples in medium/large properties
- Households with fewer people than bedrooms
- Low water users generally
Who may not benefit:
- Large families with high water usage
- Small properties where unmetered bills are already low
How to apply: Call or write to your water supplier. Installation is free in almost all cases. You have 24 months to revert to unmetered billing if the meter turns out to cost more.
Before requesting: Use your supplier’s online meter calculator to estimate whether a meter would save you money based on your household size and property.
Option 2 — Social Tariffs and Discounts
Every water company in England and Wales must offer affordability support. Schemes vary, but typically include:
| Scheme type | Who qualifies | Typical discount |
|---|---|---|
| Affordability tariff | Benefit recipients; low income | 20–50% off annual bill |
| WaterSure | 3+ children under 19 OR medical need | Bill capped at average |
| Big difference scheme (some companies) | Low income | 90% discount |
| Debt management schemes | Arrears | Payment plans |
To apply, contact your water company directly. Proof of benefit entitlement or income may be required.
Option 3 — WaterSure
WaterSure is a nationally standardised protection for metered customers who need to use more water than average. You qualify if:
- You have 3 or more children under 19 living with you
- You (or someone in the household) has a medical condition requiring significant additional water use (e.g. kidney dialysis at home, certain skin conditions)
On WaterSure, your metered bill is capped at the average metered bill for your area — regardless of how much you use. Apply through your water company.
Practical Water-Saving Tips
Reducing usage saves money on metered bills and supports environmental sustainability:
| Action | Annual water saving |
|---|---|
| Shower instead of bath | Up to 200 litres/week |
| Fix a dripping tap | Up to 5,500 litres/year |
| Use a dishwasher (full load) vs hand washing | Saves water per cycle |
| Install a cistern displacement device (toilet) | 1–3 litres per flush |
| Use a water butt for garden watering | 5,000+ litres/year |
| Turn tap off when brushing teeth | 24 litres per person/day |
Many water companies offer free water-saving devices (shower heads, cistern bags, tap inserts) on request. Check your supplier’s website.
If You Are in Arrears
Contact your water company immediately if you cannot pay your bill. Water companies cannot disconnect you from supply (unlike energy). They must:
- Offer you a payment plan
- Tell you about social tariff options
- Refer you to support services
Contact the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) for free and impartial advice: ccwater.org.uk or 0300 034 2222.
See also the Switching Bills Guide for cutting other household bills, and Average UK Household Bills 2026 for full bill benchmarks.