Folkestone Water Supplier
Folkestone's drinking water is supplied by Affinity Water, one of the largest water-only companies in England, serving around 3.6 million people across the South East. Affinity Water is responsible for treating and delivering clean water to your taps, while Southern Water handles sewerage and wastewater collection, treatment and disposal for the Folkestone area.
Water supply in the UK is a regional monopoly - you cannot switch water supplier the way you can with energy. If you have just moved into Folkestone, you simply need to register your details with Affinity Water so your account is opened and your bill is issued in your name. For sewerage, Southern Water will set up your account automatically based on council tax records.
| Service | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Metered supply (Affinity Water) | 0345 357 2401 | Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 8am–2pm |
| Unmetered supply (Affinity Water) | 0345 357 2402 | Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 8am–2pm |
| Sewerage & wastewater (Southern Water) | 0330 303 0368 | Mon–Fri 7am–9pm, Sat–Sun 7:30am–10:30pm |
Calls to 0345 and 0330 numbers may be charged at local rates by your phone company and are usually included in inclusive minute bundles.
For a full list of phone numbers, complaints procedures and alternative contact channels, see our dedicated Affinity Water supplier guide. For sewerage queries, visit our Southern Water contact number page.
Water Rates in Folkestone
Water rates in Folkestone depend on whether your property is metered or non-metered. The average annual water bill for Folkestone residents is approximately £418, combining both Affinity Water supply charges and Southern Water sewerage costs.
Homes with a water meter will have a meter number listed on their water bill. Metered customers pay for the exact volume of water they use, measured in cubic metres (m³) from regular meter readings. If you live alone or in a small household, a metered tariff can often work out significantly cheaper than the rateable-value charge.
Non-metered properties are billed according to rateable values determined by the local council in the 1990s. These values have probably not changed much since then and are reviewed only periodically. If your property was built after 1990, it will almost certainly have a meter installed from the start.
Rateable values take into account the size of the property, its location and access to local services. You can request a free meter installation from Affinity Water if you believe it would reduce your bill - there is no charge for the installation itself.
Folkestone Water Hardness
Folkestone water hardness is rated as hard water. Due to the way water filters through rocks in Affinity Water's supply area, Folkestone water picks up dissolved minerals - mainly calcium and magnesium - on its journey to your tap. You can check your exact hardness level using our water hardness by area guide.
Hard water in Folkestone means residents are likely to see limescale buildup in kettles, pipes, washing machines, dishwashers, boilers and on taps. Over time, scale can reduce the efficiency of heating elements, shorten appliance lifespan and leave a chalky white residue on surfaces throughout the home.
Tips for Managing Hard Water in Folkestone
- Baths, sinks and toilets - use an acidic sanitiser or descaler regularly (available in local shops) to clear limescale deposits from bathroom and kitchen surfaces.
- Kettles - do not overfill your kettle. Half-fill with water and add around two tablespoons of white vinegar, leave to stand for up to four hours to loosen scale, then rinse thoroughly before use.
- Dishwashers - take advantage of the built-in water softener and make sure you regularly top up the dishwasher salt reservoir in the appropriate compartment.
- Consider fitting a whole-house water softener or a magnetic scale inhibitor on the incoming mains if limescale is a persistent problem in your home.
Can You Drink Folkestone Water?
Yes - you can drink the water in Folkestone straight from the tap without any need for concern. The UK Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) has scored Folkestone's water quality 99.96% in overall mean zonal compliance, meaning your water is completely safe to drink. It is not necessary to boil or filter Folkestone water to make it potable.
If you notice a change in the taste or smell of your water, the most common causes are:
- Chlorination - Affinity Water adds a small amount of chlorine as a safe hygiene measure throughout the pipe network, which can sometimes be noticeable after maintenance work.
- Seasonal changes - water drawn from different boreholes or sources at different times of year can infuse the water with a slightly earthy smell or taste.
- Plumbing materials - old copper, lead or rubber components in household plumbing can contribute metallic, salty or rubbery hints to the taste.
Running the cold tap for a minute before drinking usually clears any short-term taste issue. You should not hesitate to contact Affinity Water if you have any concerns about changes in the quality of your water or if you believe it may be unsafe to drink.
Reporting Water Problems in Folkestone
If you notice a leak, burst pipe, flooding, loss of supply or discoloured water in Folkestone, you can contact Affinity Water directly. You do not need to be the account holder to report a problem - anyone can call or report online.
No Water in Your Folkestone Home
If you suddenly have no water at your property, work through these steps before calling Affinity Water:
- Check the "In Your Area" section on the Affinity Water website for known outages and incidents near your postcode.
- Ask your neighbours whether they also have no water - if they do, the outage is on the network and Affinity Water will already be aware.
- Check that your internal stop tap is fully open - this can sometimes be accidentally knocked into the off position, preventing water from flowing to your taps and appliances.
- Work out whether you have lost both cold and hot water, or only one. If you have cold water but no hot water, the issue is with your home plumbing or boiler, not the water company.
If your cold water is completely unavailable after these checks, contact Affinity Water on 0345 357 2401 so an engineer can investigate.
Water Discolouration in Folkestone
Discoloured water in Folkestone is usually the result of a recently repaired burst pipe, Affinity Water carrying out upgrade work on the local mains, or sediment disturbed during repairs. Water discolouration is not harmful and can often be cleared by running the cold water tap for a few minutes until it becomes clear.
If the discolouration persists after running the tap, contact Affinity Water so they can investigate the supply in your area.
Reporting Leaks and Flooding
If you notice a water leak or flooding outside your Folkestone property, you can report it to Affinity Water through any of the following channels:
- Phone - call Affinity Water on 0345 357 2401
- Twitter (X) - tag @AffinityWater or send a direct message
- Website - use the "Report a Leak" form on affinitywater.co.uk
For wastewater emergencies - sewer flooding, blocked drains on the public network or foul smells - call Southern Water on 0330 303 0368. Southern Water operates a 24/7 line for emergencies.
Folkestone Water FAQ
Useful Folkestone Water Guides
Our related guides cover Affinity Water and Southern Water in more depth and explain how UK water bills, meters and complaints procedures work.
- Affinity Water supplier overview - coverage area, tariffs and services
- Southern Water contact number - sewerage services for Folkestone
- Essential guide to water meters - how meters work and when to switch
- Water hardness by area - check your local hardness level
- Average UK water bill - typical costs across the country
- UK water hub - bills, suppliers and everything you need to know
- Moving home with Affinity Water - how to set up your account
Disclaimer: The services and products mentioned on this website may only represent a small selection of the options available.