# Water bills, social tariffs and WaterSure > Bills & utilities · Last updated 6 April 2025 Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/water-bills-social-tariffs/ Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/water-bills-social-tariffs.md ## Quick answer Water and sewerage in England and Wales is supplied by regional monopolies — you can't switch supplier as a household. Water and sewerage in England and Wales is supplied by regional monopolies — you can't switch supplier as a household. But every supplier must offer a 'social tariff' to lower-income customers, plus the WaterSure scheme, which caps bills for people on benefits who use a lot of water for medical or family reasons. ## Key facts - Households can't switch water supplier — you pay the regional company that serves your address. - Every water company in England and Wales offers a social tariff for low-income customers, regulated by Ofwat. - WaterSure caps the bill at the average bill for the area for eligible metered customers on benefits with high essential usage. - Switching to a water meter is free for most households and can save money if your home has more bedrooms than people. ## How water billing works Unmetered customers pay a fixed amount based on the rateable value of their home (an old valuation, often pre-1990). Metered customers pay for the water they actually use, plus a standing charge. Wholesale prices are set by Ofwat in 5-year price reviews. Retail prices vary substantially between regions because of differences in infrastructure costs and water quality. ## Social tariffs Every water company in England and Wales offers a social tariff for households with a low income or other specified circumstances. Eligibility, discount and name vary by company (e.g. WaterSure Plus, HelpU, Big Difference, Assist). Discounts typically range from 15% to 90% of the bill. Apply directly to your supplier — there is no central application route. You may need to provide income evidence and benefit letters. ## WaterSure WaterSure is a national scheme that caps the metered bill at the average household bill for your supplier's area. To qualify you must: be on a water meter (or waiting for one), receive a qualifying means-tested benefit (e.g. Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Income-related ESA), and either have three or more children under 19 in full-time education, or have a household member with a medical condition that requires extra water (e.g. a kidney condition needing dialysis, eczema, Crohn's disease). The cap is applied to forward bills, not retrospectively. You may need to reapply each year. ## Should you switch to a meter? Most water companies will install a meter for free on request, where it is physically practicable. As a rough rule of thumb, if your home has more bedrooms than people you will probably save money on a meter — though it depends heavily on actual usage. If you find your bill goes up after switching, most areas have a 'cooling off' or 'optional metering' rule allowing you to revert to unmetered billing within 12-24 months. Ask your supplier for the exact rule that applies to you. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I switch water company? Households in England and Wales cannot — you are tied to the regional supplier. Business customers can switch since 2017. Scotland has a separate publicly-owned supplier (Scottish Water). ### What if I can't afford my bill? Contact your supplier immediately — they have hardship funds, payment matching, and short-term holds. They legally cannot disconnect your water supply, but unpaid bills can lead to court action and a CCJ. ### Is there VAT on water? Domestic water and sewerage charges are zero-rated for VAT, so there is no VAT to pay on a household bill. ## Primary source https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/households/customer-assistance/ ## Related - [Bills & utilities guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/) - [Energy price cap & Warm Home Discount](https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/energy-price-cap-and-warm-home-discount/) --- Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.