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© 2026. The Purpl Co Limited. All rights reserved.
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© 2026. The Purpl Co Limited. All rights reserved.
7 min read
Written by
Georgina, Founder of Purpl
Published on
February 4, 2025
Water is a basic necessity of life, yet for many households in the UK, managing water bills can be a struggle. This challenge is especially significant for disabled people or those living with medical conditions that increase water usage. To provide relief, the UK government has introduced WaterSure in England, and Watersure Wales, a program designed to cap water bills for eligible households.
Purpl accepts no responsibility for the content of third-party websites and cannot guarantee that all these services mentioned may be able to help. Please note that situations and funding change from time to time. Purpl offer this information to be helpful and in good faith.
This article explores what WaterSure is, who qualifies for it, how to apply, and offers tips for making the most of this scheme.
WaterSure is a special assistance scheme designed to help low-income households in England by capping their water bills. The program is particularly targeted at households where water consumption is higher due to medical needs or disabilities. WaterSure ensures that eligible households do not have to pay more than the average bill for their water company’s region, regardless of their actual water usage.
For families who rely heavily on water due to health conditions or larger household sizes, this program can provide significant financial relief. By capping bills, WaterSure alleviates some of the financial burden and ensures equitable access to essential water services.
The cap amount in England differs between water companies, so you need to check with your supplier to find out how much you would pay.
To qualify for WaterSure, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. These fall under two main categories: financial eligibility and medical necessity.
Applicants must be on a low income and receive one of the following benefits:
Households must have a member who has a medical condition that necessitates higher water use. Common conditions include:
In addition, households must be metered, or be eligible for a water meter but unable to have one installed due to technical or physical constraints.
WaterSure Wales tariff caps your annual metered bill amount so you won’t pay over a certain amount for the year, no matter what your actual consumption is.
The Bill Cap – WaterSure Wales charge from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 is £396.68 (£153.66 for water, £243.02 for sewerage).
The scheme is available to customers who already have a water meter, or opt in to have a water meter fitted. To be eligible, you must be receiving a qualifying benefit or tax credit and either :
You must be in receipt of at least one of the following:
Common conditions which require a significant amount of extra water can include:
If your condition is not listed here, but still requires a significant amount of water, you may provide information in your application.
Applying for WaterSure involves a straightforward process, but it does require documentation to support your application.
Keep all your documents organised and together, such as recent award letters, and take copies of your application form and supporting documents for your records.
Georgina’s Disability Money Saving Tip
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
The first step is to contact your water supplier. Each water company has its own WaterSure application form, which can usually be downloaded from their website or requested by phone or email. If you’re unsure who your water supplier is, check your water bill for contact details or The Consumer Council for Water website has details of water companies.
For Watersure Wales, visit this website.
The application form will ask for:
You’ll need to include copies of:
Once completed, submit your application along with supporting documents to your water company. Applications can typically be sent by post or email. Check your water company’s website for submission details.
The water company will review your application and notify you of their decision. If approved, your water bill will be capped at the average cost for your region. If your application is rejected, your water company should explain why and inform you about the appeals process.
Once accepted for either scheme, you qualify until your circumstances change and you no longer require help. However, you will have to reapply or confirm that you remain eligible every 12 months. Your water company should remind you to do this.
Check out Water UK for lots of information on affordability and water.
Georgina’s Disability Money Saving Tip
Domestic households in Scotland are all provided with water by Scottish Water unless there is a separate private source like a spring or a borehole. Under the Water Charges Reduction Scheme, homes that receive Council Tax Reduction may also receive a reduction of up to 35% on their water and waste water charges through the Water Charges Reduction Scheme (WCRS). Customers do not need to apply for the WCRS, your local authority will automatically apply any reduction to your charges.
If your property has been altered to meet the needs of a disabled person, you may be entitled to a Disabled Banding Reduction on the charges you pay for your property.
Please contact your local council for further information.
Contact details for Scottish Water
There are no discounts available in Northern Ireland through NI Water, however, if you live in Northern Ireland and you are an older person, have a serious medical condition or disability or need extra help for any other reason you may be entitled to extra free services for you or anyone in your household.
You will need to join the NI Water Customer care register.
This does not reduce the costs, but the register has services such as if there is a loss of water supply, they will prioritise you to get bottled water and if flooding occurs, they will prioritise their response to ensure that they are with you as quickly as possible.
You can contact Waterline:
Tel 03457 440088 (calls charged at local rate)
Text Relay Service: 03457 440088
E-mail: [email protected]
If you’re struggling to pay your water bill but don’t qualify for WaterSure, there are other options available:
WaterSure is only available to households with a water meter or those who cannot have one installed for practical reasons. If you’re eligible for a meter but don’t yet have one, contact your water supplier to arrange installation.
Yes, you can reapply if your circumstances change or if you can provide additional evidence to support your application.
Yes, the cap applies to both water and wastewater charges.
If your financial or medical circumstances change, inform your water company as this may affect your eligibility.
WaterSure provides invaluable support for low-income households with higher water needs due to disabilities or medical conditions. By capping bills, the scheme ensures that families are not disproportionately burdened by the cost of essential water usage.
If you think you or someone you know might qualify for WaterSure, take action today by contacting your water supplier. With proper documentation and timely application, you can secure financial relief and focus on what truly matters, your health and well-being.
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