Last updated: 4 November 2026. General information for England and Wales.
Water bills don’t get as much attention as energy, but they’ve been rising, and for many families they’re now a noticeable chunk of the monthly budget. The good news is there are some easy ways to pay less, and if you’re on a low income, there’s help many people don’t know about.
Here are 12 ways to cut your water bill, from quick habits to schemes that can take a big chunk off.
Note: this guide is for England and Wales. In Scotland, water and sewerage charges are collected with council tax. In Northern Ireland, households don’t pay separate domestic water charges.
First: how is your water bill worked out?
You pay in one of two ways:
- Unmetered (rateable value): based on an old valuation of your home, no matter how much water you use.
- Metered: you pay for what you actually use.
Check your bill to see which you’re on. It makes a big difference to which tips help most.
1. Consider a water meter
If you live alone or as a couple in a larger home, a meter could save you money, because you’d pay for what you use rather than the size of your home.
Rule of thumb many people use: if there are as many (or more) bedrooms as people in your home, a meter may be worth checking.
- Most water companies install meters for free
- Many let you switch back within a set period (often 12 to 24 months) if you’d pay more. Check with your company
- Your water company’s website usually has a calculator to estimate your metered bill
2. Ask about a social tariff
Most water companies offer social tariffs for households on lower incomes. The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) says these can cut bills significantly, in some cases by more than half. Each company runs its own scheme with its own rules, so contact yours and ask.
3. Check WaterSure
WaterSure caps your metered bill at your company’s average household bill, however much water you use. According to MoneySavingExpert, you currently qualify if you:
- Have a water meter (or are waiting for one), and
- Receive an eligible benefit like Universal Credit or Pension Credit, and
- Either have three or more children under 19 in full-time education living at home, or someone in the home has a specified medical condition that needs more water
Changes are planned from 2027 in England, including more qualifying benefits. Ask your water company.
4. Ask for a payment plan if you’re behind
Water companies can’t cut off household supply, but unpaid bills can lead to court action. If you’re struggling, ask for a payment plan or payment break. If you’re on certain benefits, Water Direct can take payments straight from them.
5. Get free water-saving gadgets
Many water companies give away free gadgets: shower heads, tap aerators, cistern bags and shower timers. Look on your company’s website.
6. Take shorter showers
Showers are one of the biggest uses of water at home. Cutting a few minutes off each shower saves water and the energy to heat it. A 4-minute shower timer is a simple, cheap way to help.
7. Swap some baths for showers
A full bath usually uses much more water than a short shower.
8. Only run full loads
Wait until the washing machine and dishwasher are full, and use eco settings. My 100 ways to save energy at home has more laundry tips.
9. Fix dripping taps and leaky loos
A dripping tap or a toilet that keeps running can waste a surprising amount over a year, especially if you’re on a meter. Many companies offer free leak checks or repairs on the supply pipe.
10. Turn off the tap
When brushing your teeth, shaving or washing up. It sounds small, but it adds up for a family.
11. Collect rainwater for the garden
A water butt saves using tap water for plants. Some water companies and councils offer discounted water butts.
12. Check for surface water drainage rebates
Part of your bill pays for rainwater draining from your property into public sewers. If rainwater from your roof goes into a soakaway instead, you may be able to get a rebate. Ask your company.
What if you can’t have a meter fitted?
Sometimes a meter can’t be fitted, for example in some flats with shared pipes. If you asked for one and it isn’t possible, your water company should offer an assessed charge instead. This is usually based on the number of people living in your home or the type of property, and it’s often cheaper than the old rateable value bill for small households. Ask your company about it.
Moving home? Don’t pay twice
- Tell your water company the date you’re moving out and give a final meter reading if you have one
- Tell your new company when you move in, and ask whether the home has a meter
- If you’re moving into a home with a meter, take a photo of the reading on the day you get the keys
It’s also worth checking your bill for mistakes: the right address, the right number of occupants for an assessed charge, and that you’re not paying for sewerage you don’t use (for example, if you have a septic tank).
Quick table: which help fits you?
| Your situation | What to ask about |
|---|---|
| Small household in a big home | A water meter |
| Low income | Social tariff |
| On benefits with 3+ children or a medical condition, and metered | WaterSure |
| Behind on payments | Payment plan, payment break, Water Direct |
| Septic tank or soakaway | Sewerage or surface water rebate |
How to find out what help you can get
- Find your water company on your bill.
- Look for “help paying” on its website, or call and ask about social tariffs, WaterSure and payment plans.
- Use the CCW website, which explains support from every company in England and Wales.
If you’re struggling with several bills, my guides to Council Tax Reduction, the Warm Home Discount and free money help may help too.
Water bills: people also ask
Is a water meter worth it?
It can be if you have as many or more bedrooms than people, or you use little water. Most companies fit meters for free and many let you switch back within a set period if it costs more. Use your company’s calculator to check.
How can I get help paying my water bill?
Ask your water company about its social tariff, WaterSure (if you’re on a meter, receive certain benefits and have a large family or medical condition), payment plans and Water Direct.
Can my water be cut off if I don’t pay?
No. Water companies in England and Wales can’t cut off household supply for non-payment. But they can take court action, so contact them if you’re struggling.
Do I pay water bills in Scotland?
In Scotland, water and sewerage charges are collected by your council with your council tax.
Summary
- Check if a meter would save you money, and whether you can switch back.
- Ask your water company about social tariffs, WaterSure and payment plans.
- Grab free gadgets, take shorter showers, run full loads and fix leaks.
Next step: see my 100 ways to save energy at home, or check what other help you might be missing.
General information only. Schemes vary by water company.
Sources (checked 4 November 2026): MoneySavingExpert: WaterSure changes · CCW (Consumer Council for Water)