Understanding your water bill
We want you to understand how we calculate your bill, so it's clear what you need to pay, but also so you understand how much water you've used and how you can take steps to reduce your consumption.
Two companies provide your water services
Unlike some other areas of the country, your water service is actually provided by two companies. We supply your fresh water, and Wessex Water provides your sewerage service. We combine the charges for both into a single bill, so it's easier for you to pay.
How is my bill made up?
At times, some of the terminology on your bill can be confusing. Every bill is made up of a number of different elements and charges, based on the services we provide. Here's a summary of the main ones and what they mean in plain language.
This is the charge for the fresh, clean water that comes out of your taps.
Fresh water is the water you use for drinking, cooking, cleaning, washing and watering the plants. It's the clean, safe water that comes into your home and out through your taps.
The charge for fresh water on your bill is made by Bristol Water for supplying these services to you.
Still confused by your bill? Check our Frequently Asked Questions or Contact us
Ways to pay your bill
We make it easy for you to pay your bill in a way that is most convenient to you.
Direct Debit
Please return the form to BWBSL, 1 Clevedon Walk, Nailsea, Bristol, BS48 1WA

Ways to reduce the amount of water you use
If you use a water meter, just a few small changes to how you live can have a big impact on the amount of water you use and how much you spend. Learn more about our top-tips for saving water in your home.
Still need help?
If you have an unmetered bill and a monthly payment arrangement in place, your annual bill is split over 10 monthly instalments: May to February. We do not take payments in March and April because during these months we generate bills for the forthcoming financial year.
If you have a metered bill and pay by a monthly budget arrangement we can take a payment each month of the year. We will automatically review your payments annually.
To set up a Direct Debit please click here
Charging for water services is a complex matter, involving both the law (primarily the 1991 Water Industry Act) and our economic regulator, the Water Services Regulation Authority, which is referred to as Ofwat.
Your supply is either unmetered or metered, and this normally determines the way we charge for your water supply.
Unmetered – we normally use the rateable value (RV) of your property and calculate the cost for the year in advance
Metered – we normally read the meter twice a year and you pay for the water you actually use
If you feel you are struggling to pay your bills, or you feel like you need extra help then please visit our Priority Services page where you can sign up or find out more.
There is no cost to close your account. Depending on the status of your account and any payment arrangement you may have, there could be a final balance to pay. If you're moving and need to tell us about your change of address, please complete this online form. Alternatively contact us on 0345 600 3600
Your bill is due and payable on issue. To pay this online please click here
If you have subscribed to online billing, you will receive an email advising you when you have a new bill. If you are facing problems paying or wish to discuss a payment arrangement to spread the cost, please contact us.
We supply water to 500,000 homes and businesses across Bristol City, North Somerset and areas of Bath, North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire. That's about 1.2m people who have access to our water every day. Wessex Water is responsible for providing sewerage services for the majority of our customers when they've finished using the water.
We also offer a range of alternative payment options for those struggling to pay, to find out more click here
Your property's rateable value is shown on the front page of your unmetered bill. If you have not yet moved into a property and would like to find out the rateable value, please contact us on 0345 600 3600