How do I find out who supplies my water?

If you’ve just moved and you don't know who your new water supplier is, your landlord or the previous homeowners will likely be able to tell you which company supplies your water.


If they have already told you, and you’ve forgotten which water company supplies you, don’t worry. This article will help you find out without asking your neighbours or the previous owners again.

How to find my water supplier

Online tools make it easy to determine which water supplier operates in your area. Water.org has an online postcode checker that can quickly identify your water supplier.


If your postcode does not appear on the checker, you can do a manual search using the Ofwat website. It contains a complete list of contact details.


Each area has a dedicated water supplier, this is:



  • Scottish Water if you live in Scotland

  • Northern Ireland Water if you live in Northern Ireland


For England or Wales, your water supplier is one of the private companies listed below.


Clean water and sewer service providers in England and Wales



  • Anglian Water

  • Dwr Cymru - Welsh Water

  • Hafren Dyfrdwy

  • Northumbrian Water

  • Severn Trent Water

  • South West Water

  • Southern Water

  • Thames Water

  • United Utilities

  • Wessex Water

  • Yorkshire Water


Water-only providers in England and Wales



  • Affinity Water

  • Bournemouth Water

  • Bristol Water

  • Cambridge Water

  • Essex & Suffolk Water

  • Portsmouth Water

  • South East Water

  • South Staffs Water

  • SES Water


New appointments and variations in England and Wales



  • Albion Water

  • Independent Water Networks

  • Leep Utilities

  • Severn Trent Services

  • Veolia Water

  • Icosa Water


If you’ve discovered that your new provider only deals with water, you may also have to look for the company that collects your wastewater. You can also find this by using the online postcode checker.

What should I do if there's an emergency water leak?

If there’s a water-related emergency, such as flooding or a leak, you should turn off your stopcock immediately and contact your water supplier.


If your external stopcock is located outside your property boundary, it is the responsibility of your local water company. Even in emergencies, you will need permission from your water supplier to turn it off.


If you don’t know who your water supplier is, you can quickly turn off your internal stopcock. Depending on your home's layout, this is usually located under the kitchen sink, under the stairs, in an airing cupboard, in the utility room, or in the downstairs toilet.


Our article, ‘How to find your outside stopcock,’ explains where your internal and external stopcocks are and how to turn them off.


While waiting for professional help, you should also turn off your electricity and heating to prevent danger or further damage.

Who is responsible for emergency water leaks?

Your water supplier is responsible for water main pipe repairs as these large pipes carry water through the streets and pavements.


Property owners are responsible for water main pipes from the street to your internal stopcock. Find out more about your responsibility as a homeowner in our article, Private drains and sewers.


If you rent your home, your landlord or letting agent will need to repair any leaks, which is the homeowner's responsibility. If they have the necessary skills and experience, they should fix the issue themselves or call a plumber out immediately.

What problems should I report to my water company?

Problems you should report to your water company include:



  • Water mains damage

  • Broken stopcocks in the road or pavement

  • No water or low water pressure

  • Foul-smelling or discoloured water

  • Pollution and flooding

  • Manhole or drain cover problems


Alongside reporting problems, you can visit your water service provider's website to find out what's going on in your area and the reported problems near you.

Who should I call for professional help?

If you suspect that a broken water main supply pipe is to blame, then you can call the water board to assess the damage and identify the cause of the leak.


If you have an issue with your drainage system, such as a blocked or damaged drain, the team at Lanes is always here to help.


Call 0800 526 488 to learn more about our domestic drain repair and relining services, or contact us online via an enquiry form.

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