Water supply in Birmingham: rates and discounts.
- Moseley for Ukraine
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 5

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
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