How to Complain to Northumbrian Water
Step by step: where to complain, what to say, and where to go if Northumbrian Water does not put it right.
Consumer Protection UK is independent and is not connected to Northumbrian Water. This guide uses information published by Northumbrian Water and by the schemes named below. All product names, logos and brands are property of their respective owners.
- Where to complain
- Northumbrian Water official complaints page (opens in a new tab)
Northumbrian Water says customers can complain by phone, email, post or in person at a local office, and that it promises a response within a maximum of 10 working days, with an automatic payment if that is missed. It says that within eight weeks it will either resolve the complaint or explain why more time is needed. - If it is not resolved
- Consumer Council for Water (CCW)
- When you can escalate
- CCW says you can contact it once you have a final response (letter or verbal confirmation) from the water company or have waited eight weeks.
- Checked
- 4 October 2026 (company pages and scheme websites). Rules and pages change, so check the official page before you rely on this.
Good to know: This company document is dated June 2020 and names WATRS as the final binding stage after CCW; check the current water ADR scheme before relying on that.
What to Do, Step by Step
- Gather your evidence. Order or account number, dates, receipts, screenshots, emails and what was said on calls.
- Complain in writing using the route above, and ask for a complaint reference. Say what went wrong, what you want, and by when (14 days is reasonable). Our free letter templates can write it for you.
- Keep a record. Note dates, names and reference numbers of every contact. Use email or a form where you can, so you have proof.
- Ask for a final response if you are not getting anywhere, then follow the escalation route above.
- Use other routes if they apply. If the company does not fix it, take it to the free ombudsman or ADR scheme named above. Your bank or card provider may help if you paid by card (Section 75 or chargeback). The Citizens Advice consumer service gives free advice and can pass a report to Trading Standards.
Useful to Know
- Take meter readings and photos, and keep your bills.
- Ask for a complaint reference.
- If the supplier is at fault for a back-bill, you should not normally be charged for energy supplied more than 12 months before you were told about the error.
- If you are struggling to pay, tell them early and ask about support. Do not ignore it.
Want help? If you would like one of our team to look at your complaint, our initial case review is free. Start your case. We cannot guarantee any outcome and do not give legal advice.