What can I do if I can’t afford to pay my water bill?
Help is available, so please don’t ignore your bill, even if you can’t pay.
Contact your water company (and the sewerage company, if different) as soon as possible and ask to pay by instalments. There is no extra charge for this.
Your water company can help with:
- Social tariffs that can reduce bills if you qualify
- WaterSure which limits bills for those on a meter and in receipt of means tested benefits if they have a large family or a medical condition in the household which require extra water use
- Payment breaks
- Debt support schemes which can match payments to clear debt quicker
- Hardship funds
There are several different ways to pay:
- by instalments by Direct Debit if you have a current bank/building society account
- by payment card or booklet – these can be used at PayPoint outlets and enable you to make payments when you receive your pay, pension or benefit
- by standing order
- The Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) can pay an amount direct from your benefits*
* Under the Water Direct scheme, DWP can pay using your benefits if you are on certain means-tested benefits. The decision on this is made by the DWP – not by your water company – but the company can legally request direct payments on your behalf if you fall behind.
Our help with bills page has plenty of advice if you’re struggling to pay your water bill. For help with budgeting and other advice, see our list of organisations who can help.