How to get help if you’re struggling with your water bills

Why some households are struggling with water bills

Many UK households are finding it increasingly difficult to pay their water bills. With the cost of living rising and essential household costs climbing, water bills are becoming a growing financial pressure for millions of people.

Key reasons include:

• Rising water bills driven by infrastructure investment, leakage reduction and environmental upgrades.

• Cost-of-living pressures that reduce household budgets for essential services.

• Limited awareness of support schemes, meaning people miss out on financial help they could receive.

• Higher essential usage in larger families, medical-need households or older, less efficient homes.

Recent data suggests almost one in five households has struggled with water bills in the past year, highlighting the scale of the issue.

Will water bills rise further?

Consumer bodies and regulators warn that water bills in England and Wales are likely to continue rising. Water companies are required to invest heavily in:

• fixing and replacing old infrastructure

• reducing leakage

• improving treatment and environmental performance

These upgrades come with long-term costs that can affect customer bills. If you’re already finding it difficult, it’s important to know what support is available now.

How to get help with water bills: trusted UK support

Below are the most reputable places to get help if you’re struggling to pay your water bill. These organisations offer free, impartial guidance.

1. Consumer Council for Water (CCW)

CCW is the independent voice for water customers in England and Wales. They offer clear, practical guidance on:

• what to do if you can’t afford to pay your water bill

• your rights as a water customer

• support tariffs, payment plans and dispute resolution

• how to check if a water meter could save you money

2. Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice provides free and confidential support online, over the phone and in person. They can help you:

• understand what financial support you’re eligible for

• deal with arrears or unpaid water bills

• communicate with your water company

• access budgeting support or wider debt advice

They also have detailed guidance on the WaterSure scheme.

3. WaterSure: Capped bills for eligible households

WaterSure is a national scheme that caps water bills for certain households with a water meter. You may qualify if:

• you’re on specific means-tested benefits, and

• you have three or more children under 19 living at home

• you have a medical condition requiring high water use, or

If eligible, your bill is capped no matter how much water you use – providing vital protection for families or people with essential medical needs.

4. Support from your water company

Most water companies offer a range of support, including:

• social tariffs (cheaper bills for low-income households)

• payment breaks or flexible payment plans

• debt support and charitable trust funds

• free water-saving devices and efficiency advice

The earlier you contact them, the more options they can offer. You can use this postcode checker to find out your water and wastewater provider.

5. Local council support

Many local councils offer Household Support Funds for essential bills, including water, depending on your circumstances.

Practical steps to take if you’re struggling with water bills

These simple steps can make a meaningful difference:

• Contact your water company early if you’re struggling.

• Use CCW’s Water Meter Calculator to check potential savings.

• Review your household’s water usage to spot easy reductions.

• Follow some tips on saving water at home

• Ask about spreading payments to avoid large quarterly bills.

• Seek advice from Citizens Advice or National Debtline if you’re dealing with debt.

Final Thoughts

Struggling with water bills is more common than many people realise – and help is available. CCW, Citizens Advice and your water company are the best places to start if you’re worried about paying.