WaterSure and water bill help
Who WaterSure is designed for, how high essential water use is evidenced and what to check before relying on the capped bill.
Last reviewed: 6 July 2026 · UK guidance
In brief
WaterSure is generally for eligible metered households receiving a qualifying benefit where a large family or specified medical condition causes high essential water use. The regional water company applies the current rules.
It normally caps the bill rather than clearing old debt. Ask how the cap is calculated, when it begins, how it is renewed and what happens if the meter or household changes.
Check all parts of eligibility
Confirm qualifying benefit, meter status, household children or medical high-use condition. Ask what medical certification is needed and whether the company provides the form.
Explain essential high use
Describe laundry, bathing, equipment or other water needs connected to the condition. Do not send complete medical records when a focused certificate is enough.
Understand the cap
Ask for the estimated bill before and after WaterSure, the start date and whether sewerage charges are included. Continue paying an affordable amount while the application is assessed.
Check social tariff and debt help too
A household may need another tariff or arrears scheme as well. Ask the company to compare every route and avoid assuming WaterSure is automatically the lowest bill.
A WaterSure enquiry
Use with the regional water company.
I want to check WaterSure because the household is metered, receives [benefit] and has high essential water use due to [large family or medical need]. Please confirm the evidence, cap calculation, start and renewal dates, and compare it with your social tariff and debt-support options.
A practical checklist
- Check benefit, meter and high-use conditions.
- Use focused medical evidence.
- Ask for the bill before and after the cap.
- Compare with the company social tariff.
Check the current information
These are the most relevant official or specialist places to confirm live rules, availability and application details.
ofwat.gov.uk
Open official informationccw.org.uk
Open official informationmoneyhelper.org.uk
Open official informationChoose one next action
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HiddenHelp explains options and helps you organise a next step. It does not decide eligibility, make awards, or replace regulated legal, medical or financial advice.