When you move into a UK home the water supply will be connected, but it’s still important to register for water with your local supplier.
Customers who fail to set up their accounts properly can be billed for water that they haven’t used. Registering also means you can apply for supplier discount schemes and freebies.
Why do I need to register for water with my supplier?
When you move into your new home you need to inform the local water company. This is so that the company knows who is responsible for the bills at the property, and you pay the correct amount for your water usage. If you fail to inform your supplier you could be charged from the day the previous occupant moved out, rather than the day you arrived.
Registering with your water supplier also allows you to apply for discounts and savings schemes for which you might be eligible.
Can I switch water supplier or choose my provider?
In the UK you cannot choose your water supplier. The company responsible for your clean and wastewater is determined by the area you live in.
The UK water regulator, Ofwat, oversees water suppliers to make sure they are charging and treating their customers fairly.
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What do I need to do?
If Please Connect Me are handling your move – nothing! We include water registration in our free all-in-one home move service, so you can just relax and wait for your bills to arrive.
If you’d prefer to do the admin yourself, you can find your new water supplier here.Â
Once you’ve found your supplier, you’ll need to register with them. You can find your water supplier contact details here.
Once you’re armed with their contact details, go to their website or give them a call with your property details to hand. This includes:
- Your full name
- Your address
- Your contact information (phone number and email)
- Payment details (if you wish to set up a direct debit)
- Your water meter readings (if your meter is accessible)
How will I know if I have been registered?
Your supplier will send you confirmation of your registration by post within the first six weeks after your move.
Your confirmation will include a unique account number used to sign up online. It will also have details of how you will be charged and how to make payments.
Can I choose how I will be billed?
Your initial bill will arrive on paper, and will typically divide your total cost into quarterly payments. When opening an online account, you’ll have the option to change this to a monthly direct debit payment that will go out automatically.
Read more about water in the UK:
