Introduction: Getting Your Water Connected
When you move into your own place, setting up the water supply is just as important as electricity and gas. You need clean water for drinking, washing, cooking, and flushing the toilet! The good news is that setting up a water account is often a bit simpler than energy, because you usually don’t get to choose your water supplier – it’s based on where you live. For people living in Leeds, your water and wastewater services will almost certainly be provided by Yorkshire Water.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to do to get your water account set up.
Step 1: Confirm Your Water Provider (and how it works)
In the UK, water companies operate in specific regions, so you don’t ‘switch’ water suppliers like you do with gas or electricity.
Your Provider in Leeds: If you live in Leeds, your water and sewerage services will be provided by Yorkshire Water.
Why this is important: You don’t need to shop around for a supplier. You just need to tell Yorkshire Water that you’ve moved into their area and are now responsible for the property’s water bill.
How to Confirm (if you’re unsure):
Ask Your Landlord or Letting Agent: They will definitely know if the property uses mains water and who the supplier is.
Check Online: If you’re anywhere else in the UK (or just want to double-check for Leeds), you can use the Water UK postcode search tool. Just type “who is my water company UK” into Google, and you’ll find a link to enter your postcode. It will tell you your water and sewerage provider.
Step 2: Gather All Your Information
Before you contact Yorkshire Water (or your regional water provider), have these details ready. It makes the process much quicker:
Your New Address: The full address of your new home, including the postcode.
Move-in Date: The exact date you officially moved your furniture into the property or your tenancy started.
Your Contact Details: Your full name, date of birth, phone number (mobile and/or home), and email address.
An Initial Water Meter Reading (if your property has a meter):
Why it’s important: If your property has a water meter, this reading marks the start of your usage, ensuring you’re only charged for the water you use from your move-in date.
How to know if you have a meter:
Check your tenancy agreement: It might state if the property is metered.
Ask your landlord/agent.
Look for a meter: Water meters are often found outside your property in a small, underground box (usually near your front gate or driveway, sometimes with a ‘W’ on the lid), or sometimes inside under the kitchen sink, in the garage, or near the stopcock.
How to read it: Water meters usually have a series of black numbers (full cubic metres) and sometimes red numbers (litres, tenths of cubic metres). For your reading, you usually only need the black numbers. Take a clear photo of the meter reading.
If you don’t have a meter (Unmetered): If your property doesn’t have a meter, your bill will be a fixed charge based on the “rateable value” of the property, not on how much water you use. You won’t need to provide a meter reading.
Your Bank Details (Optional but Recommended): If you plan to pay by Direct Debit (often the easiest way to pay), have your bank account number and sort code ready.
Number of People Living in the Property: Yorkshire Water (and other companies) often ask this, as it can help them understand your expected usage and identify if you’re eligible for any special tariffs or support.
Is any part used for business? If you plan to run a business from home, you’ll need to let them know as different tariffs might apply.
Step 3: Contact Yorkshire Water (or Your Water Provider)
Once you have your information, it’s time to inform Yorkshire Water that you’ve moved in.
Online Form (Recommended): Most water companies, including Yorkshire Water, have an online “Moving Home” or “New Customer” form on their website. This is often the easiest way to notify them.
Yorkshire Water’s New Account form: Search “Yorkshire Water new account” or go to
https://www.ywsonline.co.uk/internet/CCD.nsf/fna?openform&FormName=New%20Yorkshire%20Water%20Account.You’ll fill in all the details you gathered in Step 2.
Phone: You can also call their customer service line. Look for the “Contact Us” section on the Yorkshire Water website for their phone number.
What to say: “Hi, I’ve just moved into [Your New Address] on [Your Move-in Date], and I’d like to set up a new water and sewerage account.”
They will ask for: The information you prepared in Step 2.
Discuss Payment Options:
Direct Debit (Recommended): This is usually the easiest way. Payments are automatically taken from your bank account monthly.
Online/Phone Payments: You can pay manually each time you receive a bill.
Payment Card / PayPoint / Post Office: You might be sent a payment card that you can use to top up cash at PayPoint outlets or Post Offices.
Flexible Payment Plans: If you anticipate difficulties, ask about flexible payment plans.
Social Tariffs / Support Schemes: This is very important for care leavers. Water companies offer support for customers on low incomes or certain benefits (called “social tariffs” or “assistance schemes”).
Ask: “Are there any social tariffs or support schemes available that I might be eligible for as a care leaver or someone on a low income?”
Yorkshire Water has a “WaterSupport” scheme and others that can cap bills or offer discounts for low-income households (e.g., if your household income is less than £19,000, as mentioned by Money Wellness). They also have a “WaterSure” scheme for metered customers with large families or medical conditions requiring high water use. Always ask!
Take Notes: If you call, write down the date, time, who you spoke to, your new account number, and details of any payment arrangements or support schemes discussed.
Step 4: Confirmation and Your First Bill
After you’ve contacted Yorkshire Water, expect:
Welcome Pack/Confirmation: This will arrive by post or email. It confirms your account details, billing cycle, and chosen payment method. Review it carefully.
Your First Bill: This will arrive after your first billing period. Check that the charges start from your move-in date and reflect your meter reading (if applicable) or the correct unmetered charge.
Important Considerations for Care Leavers
Your Personal Advisor (PA) is Key: If you’re unsure about any part of this process, or if the bill seems too high, speak to your PA. They can help you understand it, create a budget, and connect you with financial support in Leeds.
Leeds City Council Care Leaver Service: They are there to support you.
Phone: 0113 378 6771
Email: careleavers@leeds.gov.uk
Citizens Advice Leeds: They offer free, impartial advice on water bills, debt, and benefits. They can help you check for eligibility for social tariffs or other support.
Don’t Ignore It: If you receive a bill you don’t understand, or you’re worried about paying, contact Yorkshire Water and your PA/support service immediately. Ignoring bills can lead to bigger problems.
Keep Records: Keep all your water bills, welcome letters, and payment confirmations in a safe place.
Setting up your water account is a crucial step towards independent living. With these steps and the support available, you’ll be well on your way!
