Quick links:
- How to find your local water provider by postcode
- Why do water prices differ across the UK?
- Getting a water meter: Your best alternative to switching
- Cooling-off periods and tenancy rules to watch out for
- How to switch your water supply on when moving home
- Make managing your water bill easier with One Utility Bill
No. Unlike gas and electricity, you can't choose your water supplier. The company that supplies your home depends on where you live.
Businesses and other non-household properties may be able to compare water suppliers and switch, but this doesn't apply to most homes.
Residential vs business customers
- Homes: You can't switch your water supplier.
- Businesses: You may be able to compare suppliers and switch, depending on your circumstances.
Although you can't switch suppliers, you may still be able to lower your water bills by changing how you're billed or switching to a water meter. You can also make your household bills easier to manage by combining them into one monthly payment with a bills package.
You can easily find your water supplier by:
- Using the Water UK postcode checker
- Checking a previous water bill for your property
- Asking your landlord or letting agent if you've recently moved into a rented property
Water UK postcode checker ☝️
When moving house, you should find out who supplies your water straight away so you can set up your account and billing.
In some parts of the UK, your drinking water and wastewater services are provided by different companies. If that's the case, you'll need to contact each provider separately to set up your account.
How much you pay for water depends on several factors, including where you live and how you’re billed.
If you have a water meter, you pay only for the water you use. Without a meter, your bill is usually based on your property's rateable value. Both bills include standing charges.
Water companies charge different prices depending on where you live, so that bills can vary across the UK. For example, Northumbrian Water customers typically have some of the lowest average bills, while Southern Water customers pay some of the highest.
As of 2026/27, the average household water bill in England and Wales is around £639 a year, although the amount you pay will depend on your supplier and your circumstances.
Metered water bills vs. Unmetered water bills
|
Metered billing |
Unmetered billing |
|
You pay for the water you use. |
Your bill is based mainly on your property's rateable value. |
|
Bills can be lower if you use less water. |
Your bill doesn't change based on how much water you use. |
|
Often a good option for smaller households. |
May work out better for larger households with higher water use. |
Unlike gas and electricity, you can't switch water suppliers based on price. However, if you have more bedrooms than people living in your home, asking for a voluntary water meter could help you save money.
Before you apply, you can use a water meter calculator to estimate whether you'd pay less on a metered tariff. Many water companies also offer smart water meters that automatically send meter readings, allowing bills to be calculated accurately.
To make the most of a water meter, try to reduce how much water you use over time.
Simple changes can add up over time, such as:
- Taking shorter showers
- Only running the washing machine or dishwasher with a full load
- Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth
- Fixing dripping taps
- Using a watering can instead of a hose where possible
Most water companies offer a trial period of up to two years when you choose to have a voluntary water meter installed, though this varies by provider. This gives you time to see whether a meter saves you money.
If your bills turn out to be higher than expected, you can usually switch back to unmetered charges before the trial ends. After that, the change is normally permanent.
Renters with a tenancy of six months or more can often request a water meter, although it's worth checking with your landlord before arranging an installation.
When you move home, you'll need to open an account with the water company that serves your new address. If you're moving within the same supplier's area, you'll simply close your old account and open a new one.
The process is usually straightforward:
- Double-check which water supplier serves your new address.
- Tell the supplier(s) your moving dates.
- Submit a final meter reading for your old home and an initial reading for your new one if the properties have water meters.
- Set up your payment details for your new account.
Some water companies may ask for extra information, such as a tenancy agreement or proof that you're moving into the property.
It's also important to close your old account properly. Any unpaid bills or disputes stay with the account holder, not the property, so making sure you've settled your account before you move can help prevent problems later.
If you’re moving home and want to get all your bills sorted easily, check out our moving home checklist.
You can't choose a different water supplier, but you can make managing your water bill much simpler.
With a bills package, your water bill is combined with your other household utilities into one monthly payment, so there's less admin to keep track of. When you move in or out, One Utility Bill handles the water bill switchover for you, so you have one less thing to organise.
Get a quote today to see how a One Utility Bill package could make managing your household bills easier.