Published: 20/07/2021

How to pay your water bill

Other Bill Payments

How are water bills calculated in the UK?

Water bills in the UK can be calculated in two different ways; metered or unmetered. 

Metered bills mean that you pay for the exact amount of water you use and unmetered bills are based on the rateable value of your home. An unmetered bill does not take into account how much water you actually use. 

How much is the average water bill?

According to water.org.uk, the average yearly water and sewage bill in England and Wales is £396. However, this will vary based on the type of billing you choose, where you live, and/or the number of people in your household. 

How much is a yearly water bill?

The average yearly water and sewage bill in England and Wales is £396. This will vary based on your location and your billing type.

How much is a water bill per month?

The average monthly water bill in England and Wales is £30.50. This will vary based on your location and your billing type.

Do you pay water bills when renting?

The way in which you pay for water usage should be outlined in your tenancy agreement. The tenancy agreement should state whether you will have a water bill in your own name, or pay for water as part of your rent. 

If your water bill is included as part of your rent, your landlord will pay the water bill upfront and resell you the water. As a tenant, you should double-check the water rates with the supplier for your area. While you should expect to pay a little more to cover administration fees, your landlord should not overcharge you. 

If your water bill is not included in your rent, you will need to set it up in your own name. 

What happens if you don’t pay your water bill?

By law, a water company cannot switch off your water supply if you are a domestic customer. If you’re a tenant and the water bill is included within your rent, your landlord is also prohibited by law to turn off your supply. 

However, there are consequences if you do not pay your water bill. As a last resort, your water company could take you to court if they are unable to recover the debt after several attempts. Attending court could result in a notice of enforcement, and bailiffs could come and recover goods to sell to pay the money you owe.

Can I get help with my water bill?

If you are struggling to pay your water bill, contact your supplier as soon as you can. At their discretion, water companies may agree to let you spread your payments over a longer period of time, or agree on an alternative payment plan. 

Alternatively, you can visit the Consumer Council for Water. Here you can find out more about hardship schemes and independent charitable trusts. You can also check to see if you’re eligible for the Watersure scheme if you’re on benefits.

Why is my water bill so high?

Your water bill can only be higher than expected if you have a water meter and pay for your usage. Your water bill could be higher for a number of reasons, including:

  • Change in Usage

If you have been at home more often or had visitors this could account for higher monthly usage of water. 

  • Water Leaks 

A leaky pipe or toilet, or even just a dripping tap can wastewater and drive up your usage. 

  • Watering the Garden

Warmer weather could lead you to water the lawn or the plants more often. One way to reduce your water usage is to invest in a waterbutt, so you can tend to your garden using collected rainwater.

  • New Appliances 

If you’ve had a new boiler fitted, or you’ve installed a new washing machine or dishwasher, these appliances could use more water during a cycle.  

What is wastewater on my water bill?

Wastewater is the outflow of sewage from your property that eventually ends up in the sewer system. Water companies are responsible for taking away your used water through a network of sewerage pipes and keeping those pipes clean. Your water company will charge you for providing this service.

How can I reduce my water bill?

If you are currently on an unmetered billing tariff, one way to reduce your water bill is to install a water meter. 

A water meter means that you will pay for your exact usage, whereas an unmetered water bill charges you based on the average use for your property size and value. So, if there aren’t many of you living in the household, and you don’t use much water, a water meter could save you money. 

If you have a water meter and you want to reduce your bill, analysing your water usage is a good place to start. Think about how you can be more efficient in how you use your water, such as taking a shower instead of a bath, switching off the tap when you brush your teeth, or fixing any leaks. 

You can also visit Save Water Save Money to see if there are any water-saving devices available free of charge in your area.  

How do you pay a water bill?

There are many ways to pay your water bill but this will depend on your provider. 

At your local Payzone store or Post Office

Find your nearest Payzone store or Post Office branch and pay your water bill over the counter. 

One-off Online Payments

Using a credit or debit card, make a one-off payment via your internet banking account. 

Direct Debit

Set up a direct debit agreement with your water provider and your bank.

Phone

Contact your water provider and pay over the phone using your debit or credit card.

Thames Water

What area does Thames Water cover?

Thames Water is responsible for supplying clean water and managing waste in many areas in the South of England. This includes; Greater London, Luton, the Thames Valley, Surrey, Gloucestershire, North Wiltshire, far west Kent, and some other parts of England.

How much is Thames Water per month?

The amount charged by Thames Water will depend on the type of account you have; metered or unmetered. 

For unmetered billing accounts with Thames Water, the amount you are charged will incorporate water supply and wastewater. The cost of your water supply is based on the rateable value of your home, rather than how much water you use. Fixed charges for waste management as well as pipe and drainage maintenance are also applied and will depend on what area you live in. 

For metered billing accounts, water supply is charged at 138.18 pence per cubic metre (roughly 1000 litres of water) and 89.63 pence per cubic metre for wastewater. £20.34 a year is also added for water fixed charges. These rates are subject to change annually. 

How often are Thames Water clients billed?

Thames Water customers who have a metered billing account will receive a bill every six months for clean water, wastewater, plus any fixed charges.

Thames Water customers who have an unmetered billing account will receive a bill between February and March each year. It will state what is due to pay for fresh water and wastewater for the year ahead.

How can you pay a Thames Water bill? 

There are many different ways you can pay your Thames Water bill:

At your local Payzone store 

You can pay your bill at a Payzone store. Find your nearest Payzone store, click here

One-off Online Payments

You can set-up and manage payments via an online banking account. All you’ll need is your Thames Water account number and the banking information below:

Account number: 00286125

Sort code: 57-27-53

Direct Debit

Set up a direct debit agreement with Thames Water by following the instructions on their direct debit set-up page.

Phone

Pay via Thames Water’s automated phone service by calling 0800 980 8800. You will need your account number (printed at the top of your bill) and a debit or credit card. Please note that Thames Water does not accept American Express.

How can you contact Thames Water?

You can contact Thames Water by phone on 0800 980 8800. Lines are open Monday to Friday between 8am-8pm.

United Utilities

What area does United Utilities cover?

United Utilities is responsible for supplying clean water and managing waste for over 7 million people in the North West of England. You can see if you live in the United Utilities supply area by clicking here

How much is United Utilities per month?

The amount charged by United Utilities will depend on the type of account you have; metered or unmetered. 

For unmetered billing accounts with United Utilities, the amount you are charged will incorporate water supply and wastewater. The cost of your water supply is based on the rateable value of your home, rather than how much water you use. Fixed charges for waste management as well as pipe and drainage maintenance are also applied and will depend on what area you live in. 

For metered billing accounts, water supply is charged at £3.08 per cubic metre (roughly 1000 litres of water) and this includes wastewater. £37.16 a year is also added for water fixed charges. These rates are subject to change annually. 

How often are United Utilities clients billed?

United Utilities customers who have a metered billing account will receive a bill every six months for clean water, wastewater, plus any fixed charges.

United Utilities customers who have an unmetered billing account will receive a bill between February and March each year. It will state what is due to pay for fresh water and wastewater for the year ahead.

How can you pay a United Utilities bill? 

There are many different ways you can pay your United Utilities bill:

At your local Payzone store or Post Office

You can also take your bill and your preferred payment method (cash, cheque, or card) to any Post Office branch or Payzone store. Find your nearest Post Office branch or Payzone store here

One-off Online Payments

You can set-up and manage payments via an online banking account. All you’ll need is your  United Utilities account number and the banking information below:

NatWest Bank PLC

Sort code: 010917

Account number: 58933956

Direct Debit

Set up a direct debit agreement with  United Utilities by following the instructions on their direct debit set-up page.

Phone

Pay via United Utilities’ automated phone service by calling 0800 980 6050. You will need your account number (printed at the top of your bill) and a debit or credit card. 

How can you contact United Utilities?

Customers who don't have a water meter can contact United Utilities by calling 0345 672 2888. Customers who do have a water meter can contact United Utilities by calling 0345 672 2999. Lines are open Monday-Friday, from 8am-8pm, and Saturday from 8am-4pm, excluding bank holidays.

Anglian Water

What area does Anglian Water cover?

Anglian Water is responsible for supplying drinking water to all or parts of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Suffolk. Anglian Water’s drainage and sewerage system covers a wider area, stretching from the Humber in the north to the River Thames in the south.  

How much is Anglian Water per month?

The amount charged by Anglian Water will depend on the type of account you have; metered or unmetered. 

For unmetered billing accounts with Anglian Water, the amount you are charged will incorporate water supply and wastewater. The cost of your water supply is based on the rateable value of your home, rather than how much water you use. Fixed charges for waste management as well as pipe and drainage maintenance are also applied and will depend on what area you live in. 

For metered billing accounts, water supply is charged at £1.6015 per cubic metre (roughly 1000 litres of water) and wastewater is charged at £1.5655 per cubic metre. These rates are subject to change annually. 

How often are Anglian Water clients billed?

Anglian Water customers who have a metered billing account will receive a bill every six months for clean water, wastewater, plus any fixed charges.

Anglian Water customers who have an unmetered billing account will receive a bill between February and March each year. It will state what is due to pay for fresh water and wastewater for the year ahead.

How can you pay an Anglian Water bill? 

There are many different ways you can pay your Anglian Water bill:

At your local Payzone store 

You can pay your bill at a Payzone store. Find your nearest Payzone store here

One-off Online Payments

You can set-up and manage payments via an online banking account. All you’ll need is your  Anglian Water 9 digit account number and the banking information below:

Account number: 90011916

Sort code: 20-43-71

Direct Debit

Set up a direct debit agreement with Anglian Water by following the instructions on their direct debit set-up page.

Phone

Pay via Anglian Water’s automated phone service by calling 03457 919 155. You will need your account number (printed at the top of your bill) and a debit or credit card. 

How can you contact Anglian Water?

You can contact Anglian Water about your billing account by calling 03457 919 155. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 8am to 4pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm. You can also use the online form.

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