Water bills

Debts to water companies are treated differently from those to gas, electricity and telephone companies. It is illegal for a water company to disconnect you for missing payments. To force you to pay, a water company must get a 'money-only' judgement through a county court claim (see 'The 'money-only' claims procedure').

If the company is awarded a judgement, and you do not pay as ordered, it may apply for:

• a warrant to authorise county court bailiffs to take goods you own;
• an Attachment of Earnings order (to take money from your wages); or
• if you are a homeowner, a charging order over your home, which, in extreme circumstances, could mean you are forced to sell your home to give the company its money.

You should try to make sure you have enough money to pay your water bills in future, and get the company to agree to an arrangement you suggest for paying any arrears. If you have received a county court claim, and you accept that you owe the amount of the debt, you should complete the 'admission form' making an offer of payment at a rate you can afford.

Additional sections in the Community Legal Advice leaflet 'Dealing with Debt':

 1. Rent or mortgage payment problems

 2. Council Tax bill problems

 3. Hire purchase problems

 4. Gas, electricity and phone bills

 5. Water bills

 6. Loan and credit problems

 7. What creditors can do to get their money?

 8. Going to court

 9. Dealing with many debts

 10. Dealing with bailiffs

 11. Other legal protection if you are in debt

 12. When you can be sent to prison for your debts

 13. Terms used when dealing with debt

 14. Further help

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Community Legal Advice

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