Households can claim up to 90% discount on water bills - full list

for households in England and Wales will increase by an average of £123 a year on April 1. This will bring the average annual bill up to £603, or an increase of around £10 per month.

The impact varies across regions, with some households facing steeper increases. Southern Water customers, for example, will experience the highest hike at 47%, pushing their average annual bill to £703. However, support is available, such as discounted tariffs, but many eligible people aren't claiming. According to Policy in Practice's research, £974million worth of water bill social tariffs went untapped in 2024.

Sebrina McCullough, director of external relations at Money Wellness, said: "Many water companies offer discounts if you're on a low income or receiving certain benefits. Speak to your provider to see if you qualify for support."

Here is a breakdown of what's available from each provider.

Affinity Water - Lift

Customers with a household income below £19,995 (excluding benefits) or those receiving income-related benefits such as Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance, or Pension Credit may qualify. The scheme caps annual clean water bills at £143.80, with a lower fixed rate of £95.80 for those receiving council tax reduction/support.

Anglian Water - Lite

Eligibility is based on an individual financial assessment. Customers who qualify can receive up to 50% off their annual bill through a reduced metered tariff.

Bournemouth Water - WaterCare

This scheme is for customers who spend 5% or more of their income (after housing costs) on water bills. Applicants must have a water meter or be on assessed charges. Discounts are applied in bands ranging from 15% to 85%.

Bristol Water - Assist

Low-income households facing financial difficulty can access a low-rate tariff based on their ability to pay, with discounts applied to the average annual bill. If the billpayer and all the adults in the household receive , they may qualify for a discount of around 20%.

Cambridge Water - Assure

Customers receiving Pension Credit (guarantee element) or with a household income below £21,011 (plus £1,500 per child) may qualify. Eligible households receive a 60% bill reduction in the first year and 40% in the second year. If claimants have no income while waiting for a Universal Credit application, charges are fully waived for eight weeks.

Dr Cymru Welsh Water - HelpU

Customers receiving income-related benefits with household incomes below £12,000 (one person), £18,100 (two people), or £19,100 (three or more people) can qualify. Bills are capped at £319.03 per year (£128.17 for water, £190.86 for sewerage).

Essex and Suffolk Water - SupportPLUS

Households earning less than £26,000 or those where a member receives Pension Credit (and whose water bill is 3% or more of net income) can receive up to a 40% discount on their annual bill.

Hafren Dyfrdwy - Here2Help

This scheme reduces annual water charges depending on household size and income, and the bill will be reduced in line with a customer's circumstances.

Hartlepool Water - Lite

Customers with a water meter can access various discount schemes. Eligible households can receive up to 50% off water and sewerage charges.

Northumbrian Water - SupportPLUS

Households earning less than £26,000 or with a member receiving Pension Credit, whose water bill is 3% or more of net income, may qualify. Discounts of up to 40% are available.

Portsmouth Water - Helping Hand Tariff

Households earning less than £21,000 (excluding benefits like Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit) can have their water bill capped at £91.12 per year.

Severn Trent Water - Big Difference

This scheme supports low-income households struggling to pay their bills. Discounts vary based on financial assessment, with several tariff bands available.

South East Water

Customers with a household income below £17,000 (excluding disability benefits) will receive a 50% reduction. Those with an annual household income of between £17,000 and £21,000 will receive a 30% reduction on their bill.

Southern Water - Essentials Tariff

Households earning less than £22,020 (excluding certain benefits) and with savings below £16,000 may receive a discount of between 45% and 90%. Households qualifying only through Pension Credit receive a 45% discount.

South Staffordshire Water - Assure

Households earning less than £22,011 (plus £1,500 per child) or those receiving Pension Credit (guarantee element) may qualify. Bills are reduced by 60% in the first year and 40% in the second. A 20% reduction will be applied in year three. If a claimant has no income while waiting for Universal Credit, bills are waived for eight weeks.

South West Water - WaterCare

Customers spending 5% or more of their income (after housing costs) on water bills may qualify. Discounts range from 15% to 85%.

SES Water - Water Support

Eligibility is based on income: households earning below £19,995 outside London or £25,207 in London (excluding disability benefits). Those who qualify receive a 50% discount on their annual bill.

Thames Water - WaterHelp

Households spending more than 5% of their net income on water bills may receive a 50% discount.

United Utilities - Back on Track

Customers receiving income-related benefits or earning less than £21,000 a year due to a recent life event may qualify. Water bills are capped at a lower amount for the year, depending on individual circumstances.

Wessex Water - Assist

This scheme offers discounts of up to 90% for those struggling to pay. Pensioners receiving Pension Credit or relying solely on state pension get a £55 annual reduction.

Yorkshire Water - WaterSupport

Depending on individual circumstances, customers on low incomes can have their annual bill capped at either £270, £354, or £409.

With support varying by provider, customers struggling to pay should check with their water company to see what assistance is available.