How to save money on water bills

There are two ways you can pay your water bill.

• You pay a set price per year – this is called rateable billing. How much you pay depends on your home – you can find out more at United UtilitiesOpens in a new window
• You have a water meter – this means you pay for the water you use.

If you’re not sure how you pay, you’ll be able to find out on your bill.

Generally, the bigger your home and the fewer people that live in it, the more likely you are to save money with a water meter. But, don’t try to change without checking the Consumer Council for Water’s calculatorOpens in a new window

If you’re on rateable billing, you can choose to get a water meter instead.

This can be cheaper, but it isn’t always.

To see if it’s right for you, use a water usage calculator.

You can use the calculator at Consumer Council for WaterOpens in a new window

You’ll just need to estimate a few details about your water use – like how often you flush the toilet – and it’ll show how much you could save compared to your current rateable bill.

If your water use changes – maybe if your children leave home or you buy a washing machine – you might want to try the calculator again.

If you've recently switched to a water meter, and don't think it's reduced your water bill, you might not be able to go back to a set price per year (rateable billing) straight away. (This depends on your supplier).

If your water supplier can’t provide you with a water meter, they’re obliged to offer you an alternative to compensate.

This alternative is called an Assessed Charge.

You can find out more about Assessed Charges at Consumer Council for WaterOpens in a new window

Cutting back on the amount of water you use is the simplest way to reduce your bills.

Find out more about water saving tips at OfwatOpens in a new window

If you’re on a water meter and want to save water,  free gadgets are available to help. Check the CCWater website and find you water supplierOpens in a new window to see what you’re entitled to.

If you’re finding it difficult to keep up with living costs, you might be anxious about not being able to pay your water bill or falling into arrears.

Your supplier can’t turn off your water supply if you miss payments, they can use court action to enforce repayment.

However, help is available. Contact your water supplier as soon as you think you might struggle, and ask for support.

Find out who your water supplier is by visiting Water UK and putting in your postcode

If you are on a water meter, you’ll pay your water bills directly to Scottish Water. If you’re not on meter, you’ll pay for your water with your Council Tax.

Find out who your council is using your postcode at GOV.UKOpens in a new window

Find out the different ways to contact Scottish WaterOpens in a new window

If you live in Northern Ireland your provider will be Northern Ireland Water

Water suppliers know that many customers will need help because of the rising cost of living, and they can offer you support.

This will depend on your circumstances and could include:

• payment breaks or a payment holiday (sometimes called a payment freeze)
• special schemes, such as social tariffs
• adjusting your payment plan to cope with a drop in income finances
• offering advice on benefits and managing debts, especially if you haven’t struggled financially before
• finding out whether you qualify for charitable grants.

To find out what your supplier can offer, get in touch as soon as you can – and before you’ve missed a payment. Their contact details and more information will be on their website and on your bill.

More information for people living in England and Wales can be found at CCWOpens in a new window

More information for people living in Scotland and Northern Ireland can be found at Turn2UsOpens in a new window

If you’re disabled, a carer, have a medical condition or need additional help from your water company for any other reason, they should offer it to you. 

The extra support you’ll be given could include being sent your water bill in large print or Braille format, getting advance notice of when your water will be shut off temporarily so you can be prepared, or making your meter more accessible. You can also ask to set up a password for your water company to use when they get in contact with you, if you’re worried about phone, email or doorstep scammers.  

Use the links below to register for Priority Services or the Customer Care Register.

• In England and Wales you can find more information at OfwatOpens in a new window

• in Northern Ireland find out more at NI WaterOpens in a new window

• and in Scotland there’s more help at Priority Services Register ScotlandOpens in a new window

It’s important to pay – and not ignore – your water bill.

Your supplier can’t turn off your water supply, but they will take action if you miss payments.

If you’ve missed more than one payment or are juggling other debts, it’s important you pay them off in the right order. Some payments are more urgent and some lenders or suppliers have more power than others.

Find free confidential debt advice online, over the phone or near to where you live using our debt advice locator tool.