Brits might be missing out on cheaper water bills with a little-known trick that could cut costs by 90%.
Research by Policy in Practice found over 5.7million households aren't claiming for discounted social water tariffs.
These households are missing out on combined savings worth £900m.
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Only 1.2m households or 17% of those eligible are currently issued with a social water tariff.
But the average home qualifying for the discounted rates could slash their bills by a whopping £160 a year.
Brits eligible for help and the level of support varies depending on your water company.
Thames Water customers may be able to get a 50% discount if their total household income is below £17,005, or £21,749 in London boroughs.
You could also get help if your water bill is more than 5% of your total household income.
The water company also created a temporary support scheme for those who have more money going out than coming in.
Under this scheme, Brits can get a discount of between 20% and 50%.
Severn Trent customers can access its Big Difference Scheme which could take up to 90% off the average bill.
The scheme can offer a reduction of water bills to Severn Trent customers with a household income below £20,048.
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United Utilities offers eligible households on benefits a cap on bills or a reduction worth up to £492 a year.
Wessex Water gives those on low incomes, irrespective of being on benefits, a discount of up to 80% off their bill.
There are other water bill support available.
Most suppliers have a pot of money to give to customers who are under pressure from rising costs.
These grants can be worth hundreds of pounds offering a vital lifeline when faced with staggering water bills.
The exact amount you get depends on where you live and your supplier, as well as individual circumstances.
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Aside from grants, water companies provide other ways of helping with bills.
Many Brits could also get help paying off water debts through a little-known scheme and even get the balance written off.
Companies match the payments eligible customers make against the debt on their account to help clear it sooner.
So if you're on a water meter but find it hard to save water, you could get cap your bills through the WaterSure scheme.
Bills are capped at the average amount for your supplier, so the amount you could save will vary.
The Consumer Council for Water estimates bills are reduced by £270 on average through the scheme.
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