Water is one of the few household bills you can’t shop around for. Unlike energy, broadband or insurance, your supplier is determined by where you live. That means when water prices rise, most households have very limited options to reduce the cost.
But many people overlook the support schemes offered by water companies. Recent changes to the WaterSure scheme mean around 53,000 additional low-income households will now qualify for water bill discounts worth up to £325 a year. The scheme is designed to help people whose circumstances mean they have to use more water than average, particularly large families and households with certain medical conditions.
Despite the potential savings, thousands of eligible households never apply. Often that’s simply because they don’t realise the scheme exists. If your household uses a lot of water and your income is limited, then it may be worth checking whether you qualify.
Why water bills can climb quickly
Unlike energy bills, where usage tends to fluctuate depending on heating and electricity consumption water usage is often tied to household needs rather than lifestyle choices. A larger household naturally uses more water. More people means more showers, more laundry and more washing up. But medical circumstances can also increase water consumption in ways that are difficult to control.
Some conditions require frequent bathing, additional laundry or the use of medical equipment that consumes significant amounts of water. In households where someone receives treatment such as home dialysis, water use can rise dramatically. If your home has a water meter, those higher usage levels translate directly into higher bills.
What the WaterSure scheme does
WaterSure works by capping the amount you pay for water, rather than charging you for every litre used. Normally, if you have a meter installed, your bill reflects the volume of water used in your home. But under the WaterSure scheme, the bill is limited to a fixed annual amount set by your water company.
For households that need to use a lot of water, that cap can make a noticeable difference. In some cases it can mean savings of up to around £325 per year. The scheme exists specifically to ensure that people who must use more water because of family size or medical needs are not penalised financially. However, the cap only applies if you apply for the scheme and are approved.
How to check whether you’re eligible
Eligibility for WaterSure is based on two main factors: your household income and your water usage needs.
First, someone in your household must receive certain income related benefits. These can include support such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit or income related Employment and Support Allowance.
Second, your household must either have a larger number of children or a medical condition that requires higher water use.
You may qualify if:
- You have three or more children under the age of 19 living in your home, or
- Someone in your household has a medical condition that requires increased water use
Your property must usually also have a water meter installed, since the scheme is designed to protect households whose bills rise due to metered usage.
If you’re unsure whether your home has a meter, your water supplier can confirm this.
What counts as “high water usage”
The definition of high water usage isn’t about wasting water. It refers to situations where households have legitimate reasons to use more water than average.
Examples can include:
- Families with several children living at home
- Medical conditions that require frequent washing or bathing
- Home dialysis treatment
- Conditions that require regular laundry or sanitation
In these situations, water consumption can increase significantly, even when households are careful about how they use it.
Without schemes like WaterSure, metered billing can leave these households paying far more than average simply because of their circumstances.
How to apply
Applying for WaterSure usually starts with contacting your water company.
Most suppliers allow you to apply online or by completing a form. You will typically need to provide:
- Proof that your household receives qualifying benefits
- Details about the number of people living in your home
- Evidence of relevant medical conditions if applicable
If your application relates to medical needs, your supplier may ask for confirmation from a healthcare professional, but once approved, the discounted bill normally applies for one year, after which you may need to confirm that your circumstances remain the same.
Why many people miss out
Consumer groups and water companies frequently report that large numbers of eligible households never apply for support schemes. In many cases, people simply don’t realise the schemes exist, others assume they won’t qualify or believe the process will be complicated. But the application is often straightforward and the potential savings can be meaningful especially at a time when household budgets remain under pressure.
Unlike many other bills, water costs can be difficult to reduce through everyday changes, switching providers or negotiating better deals, that’s why it’s important to make sure you’re receiving the support already available. At a time when many household costs continue to rise, making sure you’re receiving the support you’re entitled to could be one of the easiest ways to bring your bills down.
If you have any thoughts on this topic, or any consumer issues you would like us to cover, feel free to get in touch at support@resolver.co.uk.
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