Where to start
In England and Wales, the company that supplies your water is fixed by your address, and there is no competitive market to shop around in. That makes a few things especially worth knowing: how your bill is calculated, whether a meter would save you money, and what help exists if you are struggling to pay. Our three core guides below cover exactly that.
Average Water Bill UK
What the typical household pays for water and sewerage, why bills vary by region, metered vs unmetered charging, and practical ways to bring your bill down.
Read the guideThe WaterSure Scheme
A mandatory social tariff that caps water bills for eligible low-income metered households with a large family or a qualifying medical condition — plus WaterSure Wales.
Read the guideWater Hardness by Area
Whether your area has hard or soft water, the rough north-west to south-east UK pattern, how limescale affects appliances and heating costs, and how to check your supply.
Read the guideWhy you cannot switch water supplier
Household water and sewerage in England and Wales is a regional monopoly. Unlike gas, electricity or broadband, you cannot move to a rival company for a cheaper deal — the supplier serving your postcode is your only option. Only business customers in England have been able to choose their water retailer since 2017.
Because switching is off the table, the levers that remain are metering, reducing your usage, and social tariffs such as WaterSure. Our guides walk through each of these in plain terms, and if you also want to cut the energy side of your utility bills, our energy guides are the place to go.