The average UK household water bill is forecast by Water UK to be £603 for the 2025/2026 year, with households in the capital paying 1% more than the rest of the country, according to the London Assembly.

But for 17 London boroughs, life could be about to get a little easier, thanks to a new Thames Water scheme.

Launched on September 30, the first-of-its kind programme which will automatically reduce the water bills of an estimated 33,000 homes.

WaterHelp scheme will cut bills for eligible customers identified as needing financial assistance by 50%, saving those who receive the discount more than £300 per year.

Who is eligible for the 50% water bill discount?

This discount isn’t something you can apply for — it will be applied to your bill without you having to lift a finger.

Thames Water will work with councils and Policy in Practice to find the customers whose water bills cost more than 5% of their net income. Those in arrears will also be automatically enrolled.

Policy in Practice’s low-income family tracker – used by local authorities to see how groups of residents are affected by different policies – will also flag customers who should be on the Thames WaterSure social tariff, or who are eligible for the extra support scheme assistance of up to £700.

These initiatives are aimed at helping those on meters who use more water either because they’re a large family unit or have a medical condition requiring extra usage, along with those in receipt of universal credit or housing benefit.

‘Our purpose is to deliver life’s essential service and we are determined to support those customers who are struggling to pay their bills,’ says Nina White, director of income at Thames Water.

‘This partnership with the local authorities and Policy in Practice allows us to reach thousands of customers who previously may have been unaware our WaterHelp scheme can help them.

‘We’re looking forward to the rollout extending to more boroughs across London.’

The 17 London boroughs where you could get this water discount

The scheme was piloted in two boroughs, Richmond Upon Thames and Wandsworth, back in April.

This saw 531 eligible households in Richmond automatically sign up for the discount, saving an average of £398 annually.

In Wandsworth, more than 1,000 low-income homes were enrolled, saving an average of £432 a year.

Following this success, 15 other councils have been included in the Thames Water rollout.

North of the Thames, the boroughs getting the discount are: Ealing, Brent, Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster, Camden, Islington, Haringey, Enfield, Hackney, and Tower Hamlets.

South of the river, participating boroughs are: Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, and Greenwich.

So, if you live in any of these areas and notice a drop in your next water bill, there’s a strong chance it’s Thames Water giving you a helping hand.