Skin condition and water meter

dandy-candy

We are due to move into a house which already has a water meter fitted and I don't think you can have them removed, so I'm wondering if there is anything we can do about the bills.

Ds1 has a severe form of eczema and is currently in hospital for the third time in six months. He had to take immune suppressents and use lots of specialist skin creams, shampoos etc. His clothing, bedding and towels have to be washed daily and each is given three rinses to make sure there is no residue left on them, and he also has to bath twice a day before applying his creams. The dermatology unit use photos of his skin in their teaching as he is such an unusual case.

I know it seems fair that people pay for what they use, but I just can't imagine what the bills will be. He's been so ill that he is about to quit university after two years, as he finds it difficult to cope. He doesn't claim any benefits, but can we get the water charges capped because of his health? Using less water is not an option.

Cardew

I think all the water companies offer assistance in your situation.

This is taken from United Utilities website - but you will need to look up your own company.

Watersure

Watersure provides financial assistance to household customers with a water meter who use large amounts of water for essential purposes. This section explains the Watersure scheme in greater detail and gives guidance on how to apply.
Am I eligible for the scheme?

You may be eligible if you or any member of your household receives any of the following benefits/tax credits:

• Income Support
• Income based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Housing Benefit
• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit (except families in receipt of the family element only)
• Pension Credit
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Universal Credit

And in addition, either:

• Receive child benefit for three or more children under 19 living at the same address and still in full-time education; or
• you or any member of your household have one of the following medical conditions, which causes significant extra water use:
  • Desquamation (flaky skin disease)
  • Weeping skin disease (eczema, psoriasis, varicose ulceration)
  • Incontinence
  • Abdominal stoma
  • Crohn's disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Renal failure requiring home dialysis (except where the health authority contributes to the cost of the water used in dialysis)
  • Other medical conditions can be accepted if the condition uses significant amounts of water and is supported by a signed certificate issued by a Doctor or registered practitioner