Could my water bills go up when there’s a drought?

We’re all familiar with taxi fares going up at times when demand is highest. So how would you feel if the same principle is applied to water?

Well, the water regulator in England and Wales, Ofwat, is considering allowing water companies to adjust prices in response to the weather and how much water is being used.

So that would mean your bills go up during times of drought when water supplies are limited.

Brits cutting back on water use to save money

Ofwat believes the proposal could encourage households to reduce water consumption when supplies are low.

But high bills are already prompting many Brits to try to use less water.

In fact, more than four in five adults (84%) have cut back on how much water they use in the last month, according to the Office for National Statistics.

So seasonal or weather-related bill hikes could add to the pressure that struggling households are already facing.

No plans to allow water bills to increase bills during droughts, says government

The government has responded to reports of the proposals by insisting there are “no plans for surge pricing in relation to water bills.

Speaking to LBC, housing minister Matthew Pennycook said: “The prime minister has been very clear.

“We want to look at how the public can have greater control and how we can do more to ensure that bills are fair.

"The average bill in the UK, I think, is at just over £600. 

“For those of us who've got Thames Water in south-east London, it's closer to £1,000, and people aren't seeing the fairness in their charging that we need to have."

What can I do if I’m struggling with water bills?

If water bills are putting you under financial strain, speak to your water company as soon as possible, ideally before you miss a payment rather than afterwards.

Every water company runs a social tariff - a cheaper bill for customers on a low income. 

Almost two million households were on one last year and their bills came down by an average of £190. 

Each company sets its own rules about who qualifies, so ask yours for more information.

There's also WaterSure, which caps your bill at the average for your area if you're on a meter, claim certain benefits, and either have a large family or a medical condition that means you use more water, such as kidney disease or a skin condition that needs frequent washing. 

In addition, lots of water companies offer payment breaks, and some run matching schemes where they take a pound off your debt for every pound you pay.

Get debt advice

If you’re behind on your water bills, there’s a good chance you’re struggling to keep up with other bills too. 

In that case, it really helps to look at everything together rather than tackling one debt at a time. 

We can go through your income and outgoings with you, check if you're missing out on any benefits or support you're entitled to, and talk you through the options for dealing with what you owe. 

Speak to us and we'll work out where you stand.

Can my water be cut off?

No, water companies in England and Wales aren't allowed to disconnect a household's supply over an unpaid bill.

But the debt doesn't go away on its own. 

Your water company can pass the account to a debt collection agency, and it can take you to court. 

If a judge orders you to pay and you don't, that goes on your credit record and stays there for six years, which can make it harder to get a mortgage, a phone contract or a loan.

Find out more about what to do about water arrears here.