WaterSure is a program that allows water customers with medical conditions or children under the age of 12 to be protected against rising bills. It involves the establishment of a cap.
A scheme that caps water costs could reduce household costs for millions of families who claim benefits.
WaterSure provides customers protection from rising rates, even if they drink more than the average water consumption. Birmingham Live.
For eligibility, the household must use a watermeter, have at least two school-age children, or use substantial amounts of water for medical purposes.
It all comes as Boris Johnson is urged to call a Downing Street summit in order to find solutions to the devastating rise in living costs in Britain.
Citizens Advice said: “To apply for the WaterSure scheme, you must be on benefits and need to use a lot of water either for medical reasons or because your household has a certain number of school-age children.
“A water meter must also be installed or you will need one.
“If you get your water from Welsh Water you’re covered by WaterSure Wales, which works in a similar way to the English scheme.”
WaterSure is only available to those who are eligible.
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit (except those in receipt of only the family element)
- Pension Credit
- Support and income-related employment
You must also:
- Responsible for 3 or more children younger than 19 years old and in full-time education.
- You or someone living on your property must have a medical condition requiring significant water consumption. Examples include weeping skin diseases (such as psoriasis), Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis.
Ofwat stated that WaterSure will not be available to you if your garden sprinkler system is used or your swimming pool is in use.
You will need to apply to WaterSure if you believe you are eligible.
WaterSure may also be offered by water suppliers to those who are receiving Personal Independence Payment or Disability Living Allowance.
Severn Trent is a UK-wide provider of water services. It covers all areas of the UK, including the Bristol Channel, the Humber, and the East Midlands.
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Severn Trent: Eligible Benefits
Severn Trent offers WaterSure, which provides a full range of state benefits. These include:
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit (other than the basic element of £547.50)
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Support and income-related employment
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
Severn Trent accepts eligible medical conditions
WaterSure can only be applied to if you have a medical condition that restricts the amount of water you are allowed to drink.
These conditions were described by Severn Trent:
- Incontinence
- Skin disease such as psoriasis (weeping skin disease)
- Desquamation is a flaky skin disease.
- Crohn’s disease
- Renal failure requiring home dialysis
- Alzheimer’s / dementia
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Eczema
- Extra water is required for any condition that has been confirmed by a doctor
Severn Trent stated that if you meet the requirements for the WaterSure program, it will cap your bills at the average annual charge.
WaterSure fees for 2021-2022
Severn Trent indicated that WaterSure’s current year charges are as follows.
Fresh Water – fixed at £190.75 a year
Sewerage – fixed at £177.91 a year
Total Bill – fixed at £368.66 a year (equivalent to £30 a month or £96 a quarter)
These will be reviewed when the new fiscal year begins in April.
Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority, says customers can also consider other tips to cut water bills such as having a meter fitted, which can reduce charges by £100 a year.
In addition, if you’ve got a septic tank instead of a connection to the sewerage system you shouldn’t be paying a penny in sewerage charges. Check your bill – it could save you around £200 a year.
