Water supply in Birmingham: rates and discounts.

1. Who supplies water in Birmingham?

In Birmingham and surrounding areas, water supply and sewerage services are provided by two companies:

Company	Service	Coverage Area
Severn Trent Water	Drinking water + sewerage	Birmingham, Solihull, Wolverhampton
South Staffs Water	Drinking water only	Parts of West and North Birmingham (e.g. Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield, Walsall)

💡 You can identify your water company by entering your postcode on the Water UK website or by checking your water bill.

2. Average Water Charges for 2024–2025

Company	Average Bill (No Meter)	Average Bill (With Meter)	Notes
Severn Trent	£419 per year	£350–£400 (depending on usage)	Free meter installation available
South Staffs Water	£180–£230 per year	£160–£210	Supplies drinking water only (no sewerage service)

📌 Sewerage services are always provided by Severn Trent, even if your water comes from South Staffs Water.

3. How to Save – Social Tariffs

Most water providers offer discount schemes for low-income households or people in special circumstances. These schemes are also available to Ukrainian refugees who meet the criteria.

✅ Schemes Available in Birmingham:

Company	Programme	Discount	Eligibility
Severn Trent	Big Difference Scheme	Up to 70% off	Household income under £22,100, savings under £3,000
	WaterSure	Fixed-rate bill	Requires a water meter. Available for households with 3+ children or medical needs
South Staffs Water	Assure Tariff	60% (1st year), then reduced	Household income under £22,011 (+£1,500 per child). Homes for Ukraine support is not counted as income
	WaterSure	As above	Same criteria – must have a water meter

🟦 You can apply for all these schemes online or by phone. Assistance is based on income, not citizenship status.

4. Sample Request Letter (English).

You can write or say the following:

Email or Letter Example:

Dear [Water Company Name] Customer Support, I am a recent arrival from Ukraine under the Homes for Ukraine scheme and currently reside in Birmingham. Due to my limited income and financial circumstances, I am seeking information on any available support or discounts on my water bill. Could you please advise which social tariff or assistance schemes I may be eligible for, and what documentation is required to apply? Thank you in advance for your assistance. Kind regards,[Your Full Name][Your Address][Customer/Account Number, if known]

Phone Version (shorter):

"Hello, I’m a Ukrainian refugee living in Birmingham. I’d like to apply for any social tariff or help with my water bill, as I’m on a low income. Could you advise, please?"

5. What you may need to Apply

• Passport or another form of ID

• Your home address

• Information about your income or benefits

• Details of children or medical conditions (for WaterSure)

• Sometimes: tenancy agreement or bank details

  
  

6. Conclusion

Water bills in Birmingham can form a significant part of household expenses, especially for newly arrived families. However, Severn Trent and South Staffs Water offer support schemes that can reduce your bill by 50–70%.

It’s worth taking the following steps:

• Check which company supplies your water

• Apply for a social tariff

• Consider installing a free water meter

• Contact your water provider directly for assistance