Check if you qualify for cheaper water bills

Published: Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Lower income households across Wandsworth can benefit from cheaper water bills - with discounts worth up to 50% in some cases. 

Wandsworth Council is raising awareness of the discounts on offer as part of our commitment to support families facing rising household bills in the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

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Find support on the Thames Water website

We have now written to thousands of households in the borough alerting them to the financial aid they could be eligible for as part of a joint initiative with Thames Water. 

There are two schemes managed by Thames Water which could lead to reduced bills. 

WaterHelp

WaterHelp applies to households if either of these conditions apply:  

  • The water bill amounts to more than five per cent of net household income (excluding disability benefits)  
  • Net household income is less than £21,749 per year (excluding disability benefits)  

Residents who qualify for WaterHelp will receive a 50% discount on their water bill.

WaterSure

WaterSure applies to households if all of the following apply:  

  • The home has a water meter  
  • You are in receipt of a means-tested benefit (such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefit)  
  • You have a medical condition which requires extra water OR three or more children under the age of 19 live in your property  

Households eligible for WaterSure help will have their bill capped at £471 over the next 12 months.  

Find out more 

If you have not received a letter but think you may be eligible for support under either scheme you can contact Thames Water on 0800 980 8800 for a free assessment.  

Wandsworth Council Leader Simon Hogg said: “It’s important that households that are eligible for this support contact Thames Water and make sure they access that help. 

“These schemes could see water bills significantly pegged back and offer a crucial lifeline to residents facing economic hardship and struggling to pay their bills. 

“The council is committed to supporting residents through the cost-of-living crisis with a far-reaching package of measures designed to cushion the impact of the continuing economic downturn. 

“We are making Wandsworth fairer and more compassionate. We understand the pressures our residents are facing and committed to doing all we can to help.”  

Get support 

The council’s Cost of Living support scheme is London’s biggest and most generous of its kind. For more information about how the council is supporting local communities, please visit our Cost of Living hub or call freephone 0808 175 3339 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. 

Social tariff discounts are also available on some other household bills, including energy, mobile phones and broadband.  If you contact your current providers, you may be able to switch to a cheaper social tariff.