Water bills: meters, social tariffs and WaterSure
Average bills hit £639 this year. How the bedrooms rule shows whether a meter will save you money, plus help if you are on a low income
The average water and sewerage bill in England and Wales is £639 a year from April 2026, up £33 (5.4%). Some companies raised prices far more than others. Unlike energy, you cannot switch supplier, so the way to cut the bill is to change how you are charged or to claim help you are entitled to. This guide covers both.
How unmetered bills work
If you have no meter, your bill is based on the rateable value of your home from 1990, not your usage. A large house with one occupant pays a large bill. A small flat with five occupants pays a small one. That is why the meter decision is about people versus property size.
The bedrooms rule
The rough guide: if your home has more bedrooms than people living in it, a meter will probably cut your bill. If there are more people than bedrooms, stay unmetered. Equal numbers is a closer call.
| Household | Likely result |
|---|---|
| 1 person, 3-bed house | Meter almost certainly saves |
| 2 people, 3-bed house | Meter probably saves |
| 3 people, 3-bed house | Marginal |
| 4 or more people, 3-bed house | Probably stay unmetered |
Water companies and the Consumer Council for Water provide online calculators. Use your company's one, since regional rates differ a lot.
Free meter and the switch-back right
In England and Wales you can ask your water company to fit a meter free of charge. If it turns out you pay more, you can ask to go back to unmetered charging within 24 months of installation. That makes trying a meter close to risk-free. The meter itself stays, and future occupants will be metered, but your bill reverts.
If a meter cannot be fitted, for example in some flats with shared pipes, you can ask for an "assessed charge", which is often lower than the rateable value bill for single occupants.
Social tariffs
Every water company in England and Wales runs a social tariff for customers on low incomes. Names and rules vary. Typically you qualify if your household income is below a set level, or you receive certain benefits, or your water bill is more than a set share of your income. Discounts can be substantial, and some companies cap bills at a fixed amount.
Contact your company and ask for its social tariff. You will usually need to give income details. Companies also run separate hardship funds for arrears, and some offer a discount for being on Pension Credit.
WaterSure
WaterSure is a national scheme for metered households. It caps your bill at the company's average metered bill, however much water you use. You qualify if someone in the home receives a qualifying benefit and either there are three or more children under 19 living there, or someone has a medical condition that requires a lot of water. It stops large families and people with certain conditions from being penalised by a meter.
Leak allowances
If you are metered and a leak on your side of the boundary sends your bill soaring, most companies will make a one-off allowance for the wasted water once you have fixed the leak. Report it promptly. Companies often repair the supply pipe once for free or at reduced cost.
What to do next
- Count bedrooms and people. If bedrooms win, request a free meter.
- If you are on benefits or a low income, ask your company about its social tariff and WaterSure.
- Read your meter monthly for the first few months. A sudden jump usually means a leak.
- If you cannot pay, contact the company. Water companies cannot disconnect a home for non-payment, but debt still builds.