21 Water Companies Offering UK Households Bill Discounts of Up to 90%

Millions of households in England could be eligible for water bill discounts of up to 90%, as the competition regulator has approved higher charges for five water suppliers.

According to new research, around £745 million in water bill support went unclaimed last year. A report by Policy in Practice highlights that most water companies offer “social tariffs”—reduced-rate schemes designed for customers receiving certain benefits or meeting specific income limits.

Labour’s water minister Emma Hardy acknowledged public frustration over bill hikes, stressing that companies must provide proper help for anyone struggling to pay. She added that investment funds will focus on infrastructure improvements rather than bonuses, alongside the creation of a new regulator to restore public trust and clean up waterways.

Major Water Company Support Schemes

Affinity Water – Lift
Households earning under £19,995 (excluding benefits) or receiving income-related benefits like Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Pension Credit may qualify. Bills are capped at £143.80 per year, or £95.80 for those receiving council tax support.

Anglian Water – Lite
Provides up to 50% off annual bills after a financial assessment.

Bournemouth Water – WaterCare
For those spending over 5% of income (after housing costs) on water. Discounts range from 15% to 85%, depending on income.

Bristol Water – Assist
Offers lower tariffs based on ability to pay. Households where all adults receive Pension Credit may get a 20% discount.

Cambridge Water – Assure
Available to those on Pension Credit (guarantee element) or earning below £21,011 (+£1,500 per child). Reduces bills by 60% in the first year, 40% in the second, and waives charges for eight weeks while waiting for Universal Credit.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water – HelpU
Households with income under £12,000–£19,100 (depending on size) can have bills capped at £319.03 per year.

Essex and Suffolk Water – SupportPLUS
For households earning under £26,000 or on Pension Credit. Offers up to a 40% discount if water bills exceed 3% of net income.

Hafren Dyfrdwy – Here2Help
Discounts depend on household income and size, with the lowest possible bill at £59.

Hartlepool Water – Lite
Provides up to 50% off water and sewerage for metered households.

Northumbrian Water – SupportPLUS
Same criteria as Essex and Suffolk Water—discounts up to 40%.

Portsmouth Water – Helping Hand Tariff
Caps bills at £91.12 per year for households earning under £21,000.

Severn Trent Water – Big Difference
Grants varying discounts after financial assessment for low-income customers.

South East Water
Households earning below £17,000 receive 50% off, while those earning £17,000–£21,000 get 30% off.

Southern Water – Essentials Tariff
Offers 45% to 90% discounts for households earning under £22,020 with savings below £16,000. Pension Credit recipients get a 45% reduction.

South Staffordshire Water – Assure
For those earning below £22,011 (+£1,500 per child) or receiving Pension Credit. Reduces bills by 60% (year one), 40% (year two), and 20% (year three). Waives bills for eight weeks while awaiting Universal Credit.

South West Water – WaterCare
For those spending at least 5% of income on water. Discounts range 15–85%.

SES Water – Water Support
Households earning under £19,995 outside London or £25,207 in London qualify for a 50% discount.

Thames Water – WaterHelp
Provides a 50% discount for households spending more than 5% of income on water.

United Utilities – Back on Track
Caps bills for customers earning under £21,500 or on income-related benefits.

Wessex Water – Assist
Offers up to 90% off for struggling households. Pensioners on Pension Credit or only the state pension receive a 20% reduction.

Yorkshire Water – WaterSupport 

Caps annual bills between £270 and £409, depending on circumstances.