There are no surcharges or management fees applied to our water charges. If you pay a water charge, this will be recharged to you at face value, equally divided by the number of properties that the charge applies to.
By default, most tenants will pay South Essex Homes for their water charges, which we collect on behalf of Essex and Suffolk Water. However, it is important to know that there are other options available.
You can apply directly to Essex and Suffolk Water for a water meter, and they will endeavour to install a meter whenever they are requested to do so, however, in some cases, this may not be possible.
You will need to fill out a Tenant's Improvement Application Form in order to install a water meter, this can be found here: Altering & Improving Your Home | South Essex Homes
Depending on your water consumption, a water meter may be more cost-effective for you as you will only pay for the water you use. You can apply for a water meter online here: Apply for a meter. If you would like to discuss this or if you require more information, please call the Essex and Suffolk Water Metering Department on 0345 7820 333.
If a water meter is not suitable for the property you occupy you can apply for an ‘Assessed Measured Charge', where you would pay the water supplier directly, rather than via South Essex Homes.
An assessed charge is based on the average consumption for a one person or a two person household and works out cheaper than the rateable value for the majority of tenants, but the saving will vary depending on how many people live in your property and what you currently pay.
For more information on the current charges and to make an application to move to an assessed charge, please call the Essex and Suffolk Water on 0345 782 0111, or visit Their Water Pricing & Water Tariffs Guide for more information.
If you are already on an assessed charge, you may be able to benefit from the following help provided by Essex and Suffolk Water. They offer a range of options, including flexible payment plans, payment breaks and financial support schemes such as low-income discounts, bill caps, and the option to pay your bill from your benefits.
Find the right support for you here: Financial support
Get a personalised water report from Essex and Suffolk Water, by using their water and energy calculator, to find out how much water you are using and how you could save it: How Much Water Are You Using With Our Water Energy Calculator