Wakefield Water Supplier
Yorkshire Water is the sole water and sewerage provider for Wakefield. The company manages both the drinking water supply and wastewater treatment across the wider West Yorkshire area, including neighbouring towns such as Huddersfield and Kingston upon Hull.
If you have recently moved to Wakefield, you do not need to choose a water supplier - water is a regional monopoly in England and Wales and you cannot switch. You simply need to register your details with Yorkshire Water so your account is set up and bills are issued in your name. For more information about the company, see our Yorkshire Water supplier overview.
The table below lists the main contact numbers for Yorkshire Water covering Wakefield. Calls to 0345 numbers are charged at standard local rates and are usually included in inclusive minute bundles on mobile and landline contracts.
| Service | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply & billing | 0345 124 2424 | Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–5pm |
| Wastewater & sewage emergencies | 0345 124 2424 | 24 hours, 7 days |
Source: Yorkshire Water published customer contact numbers.
For a full list of phone numbers, complaints procedures and alternative contact channels, see our dedicated Yorkshire Water contact number guide.
Water Rates in Wakefield
Water rates in Wakefield depend on whether your property has a metered or non-metered supply. The average water bill for Wakefield residents is approximately £417 per year, combining both water supply and sewerage charges. This figure is slightly above the national average, reflecting regional infrastructure and treatment costs.
Homes with a water meter are billed according to the volume of water they actually use, measured in cubic metres (m³). You can find your meter number printed on your water bill. Meters may be located outside near the property boundary, in the garden, or close to the interior stop tap under the kitchen sink. For help understanding your meter, see our essential guide to water meters.
Non-metered properties in Wakefield are charged based on the rateable value of the home, a figure determined by Wakefield Council in the 1990s and typically unchanged since then. If your home was built after 1990, it will almost certainly have a water meter installed from the outset. Yorkshire Water installs meters free of charge on request - if you live alone or in a small household, switching to a meter often reduces your bill.
To understand how your water charges compare with other areas, see our guide to the average water bill in the UK and our broader explanation of how UK water bills work.
Wakefield Water Hardness
Wakefield water hardness is rated as soft water. This means the supply picks up very little calcium and magnesium as it travels through the catchment area, resulting in low mineral content at the tap. Soft water is generally considered beneficial for household use and requires no additional treatment.
The practical benefits of soft water in Wakefield include softer laundry, lower energy bills from appliances that remain free of limescale buildup, and a longer lifespan for kettles, washing machines, dishwashers and boilers. Unlike households in hard water areas of southern and eastern England, Wakefield residents do not need to use a water softener or descaler. To see how your area compares, read our water hardness by area guide.
Can You Drink the Water in Wakefield?
Yes - Wakefield tap water is safe to drink straight from the tap without boiling or filtering. Wakefield water meets the high standards set by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) and consistently achieves excellent results in routine testing.
The UK Drinking Water Inspectorate has scored Wakefield water quality at 99.96% in overall mean zonal compliance, placing it among the highest-quality tap water in the country. This score measures how closely the supply meets strict safety standards across dozens of chemical and biological parameters.
If you notice a change in the taste, smell or appearance of your water, the most common causes are:
- Chlorination - Yorkshire Water adds a small amount of chlorine as a safe hygiene measure throughout the pipe network, which can occasionally be noticeable.
- Seasonal changes - water drawn from different reservoirs at different times of year may taste slightly different, sometimes with an earthy note.
- Household plumbing - old copper or lead pipes, poorly maintained storage tanks or a stagnant stretch of pipe can introduce a metallic, salty or rubbery taste.
Running the cold tap for a minute before drinking usually clears any short-term issue. If you have persistent concerns about your water's taste, smell or appearance, contact Yorkshire Water so they can investigate the supply.
Reporting Water Problems in Wakefield
If you experience a water problem in Wakefield - whether that is a burst main, flooding, loss of supply or discoloured water - Yorkshire Water runs a 24/7 emergency line on 0345 124 2424. You do not need to be the account holder to report a problem; anyone can call.
How to Report a Water Leak
If you spot a leak or burst pipe in Wakefield, whether on the public highway or near your property, you should report it as soon as possible. Yorkshire Water can be contacted through any of the following channels:
- Phone - 0345 124 2424 (available 24/7 for emergencies)
- Twitter (X) - tag @YorkshireWater or send a direct message
- Website - use the "Report a Leak" section on yorkshirewater.com and complete the online form
What to Do If You Have No Water in Wakefield
If you suddenly lose water supply at your property, work through these steps before calling Yorkshire Water:
- Check the "In Your Area" section of the Yorkshire Water website for known incidents and planned works affecting your postcode.
- Ask your neighbours whether they also have no water - if they do, the outage is on the network and Yorkshire Water should already be aware.
- Check that your internal stop tap is fully open (usually found under the kitchen sink).
If only your hot water is absent, the issue is likely with your home plumbing or boiler rather than the mains supply. If only your cold water is completely unavailable after these checks, or if only your property is affected, call Yorkshire Water on 0345 124 2424 so an engineer can investigate.
Wakefield Water Discolouration
If your tap water appears brown, orange or cloudy, this is usually caused by one of the following:
- Burst pipe repair - when Yorkshire Water repairs a burst main, sediment disturbed during the work can temporarily discolour the supply.
- Pipe upgrade work - planned infrastructure improvements may stir up deposits in older mains.
Water discolouration is not harmful and can often be cleared by running the cold water tap until the water runs clear. If the discolouration persists for more than a few hours, contact Yorkshire Water for advice.
Wakefield Water FAQ
Useful Wakefield Water Guides
Our related guides cover Yorkshire Water in more depth and explain how UK water bills, meters and complaints procedures work.
- Yorkshire Water supplier overview - coverage area, tariffs and services
- Yorkshire Water contact numbers - every published phone line and opening hours
- Water meters explained - requesting, reading and understanding your meter
- How to read a water meter - step-by-step guide for meter readings
- Average water bill UK - how Wakefield compares to the rest of the country
- Water hardness by area - check water hardness across the UK
- All UK water suppliers - find the right water company for your postcode